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Children playing with lighter caused house fire that left 3-year-old Ohio girl dead, fire officials say

The home is expected to be deemed a total loss.

The Lancaster Division of Fire revealed the cause of the house fire that left a 3-year-old girl dead and a man injured last month.

A fire broke out at a home in the 800 block of North Pierce Avenue on June 26.

Arriving medics found a 55-year-old man lying in the front yard. He was taken to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in critical condition.

Firefighters went into the home and found a 3-year-old girl. She was pronounced dead at the scene, according to fire officials. Two dogs also died in the fire.

Two other children and a 54-year-old woman were able to escape the house fire. A 5-year-old boy was transported to Fairfield Medical Center for treatment.

Investigators said the cause of the fire was accidental and was started by children playing with a lighter.

"Incidents like this are very traumatic to the whole community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family that's been affected," Lancaster Assistant Fire Chief Slade Schultz said.

He said the home had no smoke detectors. The home is expected to be deemed a total loss.

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