It's something we've heard countless times: children should not play with fire. Yet as they say, when the cat's away the mice will play, and play they did at 807 Aguilar Lane in Pueblo West. Three boys ages 8, 11, and 12 were home alone when the 11 year old started a fire in the garage of his family's home. According to Pueblo West Fire Chief Brian Caserta, the boy was experimenting with a lighter and accidentally set fire to packing materials. The family was in the process of moving out of the rented house and into a new home.

As the fire quickly spread, the 11 year old ran inside to tell his older brother what had happened. The boy, who will be 13 years old soon, ordered his brothers out of the house and told them to dial 911. Meanwhile, he grabbed a fire extinguisher out of the kitchen and headed to the garage to see if he could put out the blaze and save the house.

After a few minutes of fighting the fire with the small fire extinguisher, it ran dry and the boy was forced back into the home. He abandoned the fight and turned to flight, grabbing one of the family's pet dogs and a litter of puppies; a second adult dog was missing. The boy joined his brothers outside as the fire department arrived. The fireman raced inside.

"They quickly made entry into the house and were able to keep the fire contained by pushing it back into the garage area," said Caserta.

As the firemen battled the blaze, the boys’ parents returned home from work. They were upset, but overjoyed their children and pets were safe. The Smith family was lucky. Some of their belongings had already been moved. However, a large portion of their clothes and other effects were destroyed in the fire. The Smith's were renting the home, and did not have renter’s insurance. Thankfully, the homeowner was insured against fire.

The interior of the home also suffered minor smoke and water damage. The garage was a total loss.

As for the missing dog, well it came home after the fire was out.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, the Smith's have a lot to be thankful for this year. And according to his mother, the 11 year old who started the fire certainly learned a tough lesson. His older brother learned a little bit about himself and how to act in the face of danger.