Local

Fire officials still investigating fire that killed 2 children

Thursday evening, classmates, neighbors and friends started dropping flowers and stuffed animals off at a home where two children died in a fire.

"She was a really sweet little girl. She rode the bus with the kids, and she was always smiling and always riding her bicycle in the front yard," said Jennifer Bare, who lives nearby.

"I couldn't imagine losing two kids, much less one. It's sad," said Erica Lowman.

Lowman's son, Chase, went to school with the 11-year-old boy.

"Funny, sweet, nice, great and joyful," said Chase as he described his friend.

Thursday afternoon, fire officials wrapped up their work at the home. The fire marshal told Eyewitness News that they are still investigating but think the fire started in the living room area.

Officials say fire was jumping out of the windows when crews arrived and the roof fell in, making their job difficult. They say family tried to go back in to get the children, but the fire and smoke were too heavy. A trooper also tried twice.

The children's grandfather says the Red Cross and a nearby church have offered to help. He says his son and his family need it.

"We can use all the prayers, and I mean all the prayers," said Charles Suderno, the children's grandfather.