Improper disposal of smoking materials is blamed with accidentally sparking a fatal house fire in the West Belmar section of Wall Township early Sunday, according to Police Chief Robert L. Brice. 

Denise Kappa - ThinkStock
Denise Kappa - ThinkStock
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Brice told NJ Advance Media the Vine Street home went up in flames around 1 a.m., killing 53-year-old resident Joel P. Coutinho. The victim's dog escaped and is living with a neighbor.

Firefighters discovered Coutinho's body inside the home after bringing the blaze under control.

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