WASHINGTON — A girl playing with matches started a fire that damaged four homes in Montgomery Village, Maryland, but it could have been much worse.

County fire spokesman Pete Piringer says the child’s 15-year-old brother discovered the smoke and fire, and helped his younger sister and the family dog to safety.

“The action of the 15-year-old was life-saving,” Piringer said. “He did a great job.”

Piringer said that the boy was calm and collected.

No injuries were reported but 13 people were displaced. The fire caused $800,000 in damage along the 9600 block of Horizon Run Road.

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