Columbus authorities believe that two children playing with matches led to a garage fire yesterday afternoon on Pence Street.

A neighbor discovered the fire in the 200 block of Pence Street and called 911 at 3:39 yesterday afternoon. When firefighters arrived flames were engulfing a garage at the rear of the home. Capt. Mike Wilson with the fire department says that firefighters stopped the blaze before it spread to the home, but there was minor smoke damage. A car and motorcycle inside the garage were also damaged.

Witnesses said that children were seen playing in straw in the garage shortly before the fire started. When Columbus police talked to the children they found that the kids had been playing with matches in the garage. Police said no criminal charges are pending.

No one was injured and the Red Cross is helping the family with shelter. The damage is estimated at $50,000.