State police and local fire officials aren't ready to say what caused a devastating fire in a two-family home in Somers, killing four young siblings. They don't believe the fire was a suspicious act.
The fast-moving fire broke out around 10:20 Tuesday night at 44 Quality Ave, in a suburban subdivision. Somers Fire Chief John Roache says crews arrived in about five minutes to find the home fully engulfed.
Roache says the building's older, "balloon" type construction allowed the flames to spread quickly upstairs, cutting access to the stairway and the second floor. A 19-year-old woman, who was babysitting six brothers and sisters at the time of the fire, jumped from a second floor window. She was seriously hurt and was hospitalized with two of her younger siblings.
Four other siblings died. Somers First Selectman Tim Keeney says they were 5, 6, 8 and 12 years old-- a boy and three girls. All were enrolled in the Somers Public Schools.
Three adult dogs living in the home were saved, but a litter of puppies was lost to the flames.
Officials say financial support for the family can be sent to Somers Angel Fund, 619 Main St., Somers, CT, 06071.
Four members of a family living on the other side of the duplex escaped without major injuries. Like their neighbors, their home was destroyed.
Roache says one firefighter suffered burn injuries. He was treated and released.
