KALAMAZOO, Mich. — An overnight house fire in Kalamazoo claimed the lives of two children, public safety officials said Monday. They have since been identified.
A fire sparked around 2 a.m. in the 1500 block of E. Stockbridge, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety said.
Before firefighters and emergency personnel made it to the home, an adult and a child were able to escape.
As crews made it to the scene, they were met with heavy fire on the first floor. It quickly spread to the second floor, authorities said.
Two children didn't make it out, and crews found them dead inside.
They have been identified as 4-year-old Evelyn Blackport and 7-year-old Elliot James Blackport.
A neighbor who lives nearby said he called 911 when he saw the flames. He said the first responders were on the scene within moments.
"The lady was running around saying that her kids were in there. 'Help, help. Somebody help, my kids are still in the house,'" Antawn Perkins said.
"They tried to run up in the house to get the kids, but the flames were too much for them."
Detectives and the Fire Marshal's Office are investigating the cause of the fire.
The 1500 block of E. Stockbridge is closed as crews continue their investigation.
"This is an unfortunate tragedy and KDPS would like to extend its sincerest condolences to the victims and families," the City of Kalamazoo and Dept. of Public Safety said in a news release.
They say the cause of the fire appears to be accidental.
Anyone with information about this fire can call Kalamazoo Public Safety at (269) 337-8150. Silent observer (269) 343-2100, or email www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.
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