HIBBING — Police in Hibbing have arrested the mother of two small children who authorities say were home alone when a fire broke out.

The children are ages 2 and 5. The older child told investigators some papers on the stove caught fire. The two children escaped and went to a neighbor Tuesday evening. They told police their mother was at work.

The fire was contained to the kitchen area in the three-story apartment. Damage is estimated at $15,000. The mother has not been formally charged.