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Kitchen Cited in North Philadelphia Rowhome Fire That Killed 3, City Plans Smoke-Detector Push

Officials plan neighborhood smoke-detector distribution after determining the blaze began in the kitchen.

Overview

  • Authorities identified the victims as Nidre Annette Ayala, 46, and siblings Kataleya Garcia, 6, and Sebastian Rodriguez-DeJesus, 5.
  • The fire erupted around 1 a.m. on Nov. 18 on the 3400 block of North Hope Street and quickly spread to the upper floor.
  • Fire officials reported no working smoke alarms in the home, prompting a plan to distribute free detectors in the area.
  • Two engines and two ladder companies conducted a search-and-rescue; the victims were removed, taken to hospitals, and pronounced dead.
  • The blaze was brought under control by about 1:30 a.m., and investigators are continuing to determine the precise cause.