Well, that’s what “boy” says to me. It would be another story if it was an older teenage punk who knew what he was doing.
When I was about 6, I think, a friend of mine and I got hold of some matches, were playing with them, and managed to set a field of dry grass on fire. Pretty scary.
Fortunately the surrounding woods were green and moist, and the fire department got it out.
I certainly learned my lesson, just running for my life as the flames shot out of control. No need for community service, it wasn’t something I would ever do again.
Your telling me thins reminds me of something a friend told me 30 years ago and I haven’t thought of since.
He grew up in a wealthy community in NY state. He and a friend were in a large abandoned house in his neighborhood playing with matches. Well, the house burnt to the ground. He ran home and was never caught.
Sounds like this happens a lot. :)