Fire officials say a 10-year-old girl and a 6-year-old boy died in a fire early Wednesday in southeastern Louisiana. In a news release, the State Fire Marshal said the fire happened around 12:45 a.m. in the Franklinton area of Washington Parish.
Firefighters rescued several people from the house but could not save the two children. Their names have not been released. Three other children — a 6-year-old girl, 4-year-old girl and 3-year-old boy — were rescued and taken by air to Baton Rouge hospitals for treatment.
The 4-year-old is listed in critical condition, while the other two are in stable condition, the State Fire Marshal's office said. An adult man had mild smoke inhalation and cuts, but didn't receive medical treatment and an adult woman was not injured, authorities said.
State Fire Marshal H. "Butch" Browning said a preliminary investigation shows the fire began in a bedroom where the 10-year-old was found. "While an exact cause remains under investigation, there are no suspicious circumstances at this time," Browning said.
Smoke alarms were connected in the home, but authorities have not confirmed whether the alarms were working, Browning's office said. "If you lay your head down in your home tonight without knowing whether your family is protected by working smoke alarms, you are going to sleep in danger," he said.