Joelle Fredman
WMAL.com

LORTON — (WMAL) The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department said that a fatal house fire last night in Lorton was an accident and caused by a child inappropriately using a lighter.

The fire, which claimed the life of Stellan Lotuno, just short of five years old, occurred at the 8100 block of Arcade Street.

Police were called to the scene at 5 p.m. Tuesday night. A fire began in the garage, and smoke filled the home.

Efforts to rescue the child failed due to the heat inside the home, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The two adults in the home were sent to the hospital for smoke inhalation.

Two dogs were also killed in the fire.

An investigation into a fire-related death is protocol.

Copyright 2017 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved. (photo: Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department)