Police continue probe of fire

Under state law, the state fire marshal is called whenever fireworks are involved in an investigation.

By Denise Dick

POLAND — The state fire marshal’s office is assisting with the investigation of an accident that landed a 10-year-old Spitler Road girl in the hospital.

Kayla Windsor was in good condition Monday in the burn unit at Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron. She was transported by helicopter to Akron on Saturday from the hospital’s Boardman facility. She suffered burns to her face, neck and upper torso.

Her father, David Windsor, 38, also of the Spitler Road address, suffered burns to his mid- and upper torso, neck and face. He was taken to St. Elizabeth Health Center and had been discharged by Monday.

A woman, Shannon Raptis, 29, of Woodview Avenue, Boardman, was treated at the scene but wasn’t transported to a hospital, police said.

Township Police Sgt. Gary Abeid said police and fire personnel were called to the Spitler Road home about 10 p.m. Saturday on a report of a medical emergency.

There was a bonfire as part of a birthday party at the home.

“A box was thrown in the bonfire and there was an explosion,” the sergeant said.

Chief David “Chip” Comstock of the Western Reserve Joint Fire District said fireworks are the suspected cause. The district covers Poland village and township.

Under law, the state fire marshal’s office is called to investigate incidents involving fireworks.

Comstock said investigators were interviewing people who attended the gathering to determine what happened. He estimated that 20 to 25 people were at the home when the injuries occurred.

Shane Cartmill, a spokesman of the state fire marshal’s office, said only that the office was assisting with the investigation, which he said is in the preliminary stages.