'Human involvement' caused deadly Kalamazoo apartment fire

10:34 PM, Feb 28, 2013   |    comments
  • Scene of deadly fire, Interfaith Apartments, Kalamazoo. (Photo by WZZM 13's Phil Dawson)
  • Vigil for children killed in Kalamazoo apartment fire.
    
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KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) -- Kalamazoo authorities say someone started a fire at a low-income apartment complex that killed three young children and say they've ruled out an accident involving electricity, natural gas, a furnace or water heater.

Public Safety Assistant Chief Brian Uridge said Thursday that the Feb. 18 fire "initiated with human involvement."

The fire killed 3-year-old twins Tevin and Ty'nitha Williams and their 1-year-old sister Tyonna Henderson, who were home alone with their 4-year-old sister.

Uridge says a criminal investigation continues and says the Kalamazoo County prosecutor's office will eventually decide whether to bring any charges.

He says reports of an explosion were based on a flashover that happened when a resident trying to rescue the children opened a door and fed oxygen to the fire.