Fire investigators said Monday that an electrical problem sparked Saturday's blaze that killedfive people, including four children, 10TV's Cara Connelly reported.
During a news conference Monday afternoon, fire officials announced that the fire was accidentaland electrical in nature. The blaze originated in the living room.
"At this time we do not know if it was overloaded circuit or if there might have beenan electrical cord under the carpet," said Columbus Division of Fire Battalion Chief DougSmith. "We do know that it started near the electrical box."
SLIDESHOW: Images Of Townhouse
The fire broke out early Saturday morning at complex on Galli Court, located near SullivantAvenue. Several people called 911 after seeing the flames, and at least one call came from amotorist driving on Interstate 270.
Smith said flames were pouring out of the townhouse when firefighters arrived. He said thebuilding quickly became unstable, forcing firefighters to back away.
The fire killed Julia Soledad, 42, and her children, Hugo Ramirez, 12, Angelica Mejia, 6, andAnthony Mejia, 5.
Also killed was Soledad's nephew, Osbaldo Mejia-Ramirez, 11.
Family members of the fire victims said that the smoke detectors inside the townhouse workedproperly, but investigators could not immediately confirm if they worked.
Investigators said the detectors had melted off the wall, making it difficult for them todetermine if they operated correctly, 10TV News reported.
On Monday, as an extra precaution, fire prevention officers passed out smoke detectors,batteries and information to residents in the complex.
Fire officials said they would continue to investigate whether or not a holiday decorationplayed a role in the fire.
"That is one thing that we are still looking into," Smith said. "To see if there was some typeof holiday decoration that might have overloaded the outlet, or the box itself."
Watch 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for continuing coverage.
Previous Stories:
December 7, 2008: No Cause Yet In Fire That Killed 5 People
December 6, 2008: 5 Killed In Apartment Fire
