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Child playing with lighter likely started fire
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Investigators concluded that a child playing with a lighter caused the Conyers house fire that killed four children on Tuesday.

A statement released late Friday said, "Investigators with Rockdale County Fire and Rescue, the City of Conyers Police Department and the State Fire Marshal's office have made the determination with high confidence that a child playing with a lighter caused the fire."

As part of the investigation, several family members were interviewed numerous times this week, including the three survivors - the mother, children's grandmother and surviving child - as well as the child's father, said RCFR Chief Dan Morgan. These interviews support the findings of the investigation.

The lab results from the investigation have been thoroughly examined and tests results show no accelerants were found in the samples submitted. Investigators also have determined that there were no electrical malfunctions and all accidental causes have been eliminated.

Investigation results will be sent to the state Department of Family and Children Services so that this child can be referred for counseling and treatment.

"We have had preliminary discussions with the District Attorney of Rockdale County and it's his belief that this 6 year old, and any 6 year old, cannot form the criminal intent to be prosecuted in Juvenile Court," Morgan said. "The takeaway of this is that this was a tragic event, so we want to make sure that this 6 year old gets help as soon as possible."

The boy is with his father, who did not live with the family, said Morgan. He said there are no other reports of incidents involving fire at that address. It is believed the lighter was destroyed in the fire. 

All tips and leads from the public have been investigated fully and ruled out as the cause of the fire.

The venue for the Glass family Memorial Service on  Saturday, Jan. 19, 11 a.m. has been moved to Springfield Baptist Church, 1877 Iris Drive, Conyers, GA 30013. The public is invited.