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Sunday, May 19, 2013 | 2:28 a.m.

Updated: 4:32 p.m. Monday, Nov. 29, 2004 | Posted: 4:32 p.m. Monday, Nov. 29, 2004

Investigators: Child Blamed For House Fire

BETHEL TWP., Ohio —

A 4-year-old child playing with a lighter is being blamed for starting a house fire in Clark County. The fire happened around 1 p.m. Monday at a home in the 1500 block of Coach Hill Lane in Park Layne.

Tom Martz got quite a scare Monday afternoon when he heard his son cry out for help. Investigators said Martz's son called for him and then his dad found a tiny fire spot on his son's blanket.

Martz said he grabbed a wet towel and threw it over the flame. He said he then shoved his son out of the room, but when he turned around, the fire had spread.

Authorities said Martz closed the bedroom door, something firefighters said prevented the flames from spreading. Martz told investigators that his 4-year-old was playing with a lighter.

Bethel Township firefighters spoke to Martz's son, hoping to teach him the dangers of playing with fire.

Fire officials said to make sure parents educate their children on the dangers of playing with fire. They also said parents should make sure to remove matches and lighters from the reach of children.

The fire was contained to one bedroom; however, there was smoke damage throughout the apartment.

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