5 killed in 3 fires in Ukraine

Five people were killed and another one injured when fires broke out in three separate homes in Ukraine, the authorities said Monday. Two people were killed in a fire that reportedly started at around 11:00 a.m. local time Sunday (0900 GMT) at private house in northern Chernigov region. According to the preliminary reports, the blaze was caused by carelessness while smoking, Emergency Situations Ministry said. A fire engulfed a house in southern Odessa region shortly after midday, killing a child and severely injuring another. The two children were left home alone. In a third fire, two people, believed to be a couple, were killed when fire ripped through their house in central Kirovograd region at around 2 p.m. local time (1200 GMT) Sunday. As fires become more common during late autumn and winter in Ukraine, people are advised to take measures to prevent heater-related blazes.