FDNY: Unattended Candles Caused Fire That Killed 2 Young Brothers In Queens
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- FDNY Fire Marshals have determined unattended candles sparked a house fire in Queens that killed two young brothers and injured a man.
The fire began on a sofa in the first floor living room of the home on Tioga Drive in the St. Albans neighborhood at about 7 p.m. Monday, authorities said. A candle was found melted to the floor nearby and more candles were discovered throughout the two-story house, fire officials said.
Witnesses said the family used the candles in prayer ceremonies.
There were no smoke detectors on the first and second floors of the home; those in the basement failed to activate, the FDNY said.
"All too often our members respond to fires where our children are victims," said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. "Our mission is to make certain all New Yorkers learn from this tragedy and obtain a working smoke detector for their home."
Orlanzo Saunders, who lived in the attic, said the heavy smoke stopped him from running downstairs, so he punched out the glass in his front window and jumped.
"I was thinking I ain't gonna die like this. I ain't going down like this," the 33-year-old told CBS 2's Andrea Grymes.
Saunders made it out alive, along with two men who firefighters said were in the basement.
The brothers, 6-year-old Andrew Kavanagh and 11-year-old John Kavanagh, were discovered unconscious on the second floor, police said.
Saunders said he and his next door neighbor tried to get back in to save the young brothers, but couldn't.
"I kicked in the side door, tried to get in the house, it was just smoke," the neighbor said. "It was terrible."
Neighbors outside felt helpless, listening to the brothers crying inside.
"They were just screaming, 'Help, help, help,'"said neighbor Alain Palmer.
Firefighters tried to revive the boys, but they were pronounced dead at Queens General Hospital, Grymes reported.
FDNY: Unattended Candles Caused Fire That Killed 2 Young Brothers In Queens
Carmen Forde was the nanny to the two brothers and was shocked by the news.
"Oh my god, I could not believe it was those two boys," she told CBS 2's Dave Carlin. "He [John] was very protective of his brother. Maybe he was even trying to save him I don't know but it would not be surprising."
"Children always adds another dimension," said FDNY Assistant Fire Chief James Leonard. "It makes it a little more emotional for us, for firefighters to deal with."
Saunders was treated at Jamaica Hospital for minor injuries. At least two firefighters suffered minor injuries battling the blaze, which was brought under control about 45 minutes later, authorities said.
Witnesses said the boys' mother, who the city said owns the house, arrived home after the fire started, Grymes reported.
Saunders said he rented the attic and other men rented the basement. The city Department of Buildings issued violations, saying the home should not have been occupied in that manner since those floors did not have a second way to get out.
As Carlin reported, many neighbors went home with fire safety literature and free smoke detectors, saying the deaths of the two young boys must result in fewer fires.
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