DENTON, Md.- Authorities say a small child playing with a candle accidentally started a fire at a Denton apartment building that displaced three families Thursday morning.

The Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office says the blaze occurred at 10:13 a.m. in a second floor bedroom of a three-unit apartment building on 605 Market Street.

Thirty-eight firefighters from the Denton, Preston, Ridgely and Greensboro fire companies responded to the fire. It took them about half an hour to get it under control.

The fire, which was contained to the bedroom, caused an estimated $30,000 in damage to the structure and another $20,000 in damage to its contents. A 21-year-old male visitor sustained second-degree burns to his foot while attempting to extinguish the fire. He was treated and released at the scene.

Investigators determined that the fire accidentally started when a 6-year-old playing with a candle ignited bed covers. Three families were displaced and are being assisted by the Red Cross.