The family of nine children and three adults who died in a Philadelphia rowhome fire are welcoming members of the community to their funeral services Monday.
Investigators believe with near certainty that a Christmas tree ignited by a lighter started the blaze in the Fairmount neighborhood.While investigators confirmed reports that a 5-year-old survivor told them he was the one who lit the tree on fire, they also said the boy's words weren't enough evidence for them to deem that the official cause.
A massive vigil was held for eight children and four adults who died in a row home fire in Philadelphia's Fairmount neighborhood. NBC10's Aaron Baskerville spoke with relatives who appreciated the community support. The 5-year-old boy was one of 14 people who were inside the home at the time of the fire. Only the 5-year-old, who was found on the second floor where the fire started, and another person who escaped out of the window, survived. Another occupant who was rescued by firefighters later died.
As firefighters battled the flames, they discovered multiple people dead in the home. It took 50 minutes to get the blaze under control, according to the city fire department. The property was owned by the Philadelphia Housing Authority. The Philadelphia Fire Department found six inoperable and/or disabled smoke alarms in the unit where the fire occurred. PHA officials said they last inspected the two units in April and May of last year. All smoke detectors were working at those times, according to officials.
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