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Cops: N.J. girl, 2, burned after candle set hair ablaze

A 2-year-old New Jersey girl was badly burned Wednesday evening after a decorative candle set her hair ablaze, investigators with the Toms River Police Department announced.

A 2-year-old New Jersey girl was badly burned Wednesday evening after a decorative candle set her hair ablaze, investigators with the Toms River Police Department announced.

Police said the girl's mother was preparing food at the kitchen counter of the family home on the 500 block of Martin Road. A decorative candle was also burning on the counter, according to investigators.

Police said that, at some point shortly after 5 p.m., the child's hair came into contact with the candle's flame and ignited. The mother quickly extinguished the flames with a towel and rendered medical aid, according to investigators.

Police said the girl appeared to have suffered first- to second-degree burns to her face. She was treated by paramedics, then rushed by helicopter to the Burn Center at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.

Investigators called the incident "a tragic accident" and said that no foul play is suspected.