Deadly fire hits home

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NEWTON HAMILTON - A 56-year-old Newton Hamilton resident is dead after an early morning fire destroyed a home and damaged another on Thursday.

Officials said Ralph Harrison Brotemarkle Sr. was thought to be the only person who occupied the home on Barben Street, in Newton Hamilton.

Newton Hamilton Fire Chief Chad Scott said his station was the first to arrive on the scene at 5:30 a.m. Scott said most of the flames were concentrated in the front of the home, and to put out the flames crews gained access through the rear of the home.

Officials said State Police fire marshals are continuing the investigation into the cause of the fire. A neighboring house also sustained minor damages from the blaze, which was contained by 1:30 p.m., officials said.

McVeytown, Highland Park, Mill Creek, Mount Union, Granville, West Granville and Reedsville fire companies also responded to the scene.