Ada children injured in gasoline explosion

Two children playing with gasoline were injured at this Ada residence. (KTEN)

ADA, Okla. -- Children playing with gasoline caused an explosion at an Ada home on Thursday, leaving one of them seriously burned and the family dog dead.

Firefighters said two youngsters -- both around 9 years old -- were playing with gasoline in a garage in the 700 block of West 17th Street when they started a fire to stay warm. The children then poured more gasoline on the flames, which caused a flash fire and explosion.

"All the windows in the house rattled," said neighbor Robert Trent. "Heard a boom and thought it was a car wreck, so I walked out front and didn't see nothing. I heard some crackling, so I walked out back and the house was on fire."

A boy who suffered burns over most of his body was initially was taken to Oklahoma City for treatment. He was later airlifted to the burn unit at the Shriners Hospital in Houston.

A girl was treated and released from a local hospital. No names were released.

Ada Fire Department Deputy Chief Joe Allen said it's vital to instruct children about the dangers of playing with fire.

"Teach them the difference between tools and toys," he said. "Teach them not to use any kind of lighters or fuel or anything like that, because it is dangerous."

The fire was brought under control in less than 20 minutes.