Fire Has Some Wondering Why Kids Were Alone

Richard Przybylinksi and his wife came home after leaving their five grandchildren, who they care for and home school, to take care of some business downtown.

“We got a call when we were there at the IRS office from the fire department telling us we needed to come home," Przybylinksi said.

Fire crews rescued all five children. The youngest was just 4 years old. The oldest was just 13 and had to be rescued from the upstairs bedroom where the fire began. She was taken to the hospital with smoke inhalation, but is expected to be okay.

"What happened? How did it happen? Were they all okay? And then thank God God was with me to protect us," Przybylinksi said.

But some may say that 13 years old is too young to be a babysitter for four other kids.

According to Texas law, there is no specific age said to be too young to be left home, and each child and situation should be taken into consideration.

There is a law, however, that defines something called neglectful supervision. A law that states a child should not be put in a situation that a reasonable person would realize requires better judgment and maturity than the child has.

As for this case, the question remains: Was a thirteen year old equipped to care for four small children?

For Przybylinksi, he is more concerned about his children, he said.

It is unclear how the fire started or if any charges will be filed for leaving the children home alone.