Journal Times staff

RACINE - A child playing with matches was the cause of a fire Wednesday afternoon at a single-family residence at 1422 Carlise Ave., Racine Fire Department officials said.

About $5,000 damage resulted from the fire, which was reported at 2:35 p.m.

The fire was contained to the second-floor west bedroom and basically involved a smoldering mattress, said Battalion Chief Mike Irish. There were no injuries.

The incident serves as a reminder for adults to keep lighters and matches in a safe place away from children, said Lt. Bret Haller of the department's Fire Prevention Bureau.