LAWRENCE, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- The intense fire that caused the death of two children inside a multifamily home on Kingston Street was an accidental, electrical fire, State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan said Tuesday afternoon.
At around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, fire crews began battling the flames, which could be seen shooting through the roof. The fire started in a void space in a drop ceiling, and burned undetected for a "considerable amount of time," Coan said.
The fire then spread vertically, up a pipe chase, and also horizontally outside the building to the rear porches.
"It's amazing just how much fire was in that building...when the fire department arrived," Coan said.
The children had been inside a bedroom in the rear of the third floor of the building. If they had come out of their bedroom, they would have faced a wall of flames, trapping them.
Firefighters tried to get to the two boys trapped inside, who were first reported unaccounted for by their aunt. The intense flames and heat prevented the firefighters from getting into the room and pushed them out of the burning home. One firefighter broke his foot trying to break down a door, and another burned his face.
Lawrence's deputy fire chief ordered all firefighters out of the building until the fire was under control about an hour later.
Fifteen people have been displaced from the home. Officials say the fire alarms were in tact.
Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera released a statement following the tragic fire.
"Today our city suffered a terrible tragedy," Rivera said. "Two young children lost their lives in an early morning house fire. Our hearts are with the family and the City stands ready to support them in all that they need to get through this terrible tragedy. In total six families have been displaced and they all are in need our love and support. In an effort to fight the fire one of our Firefighters broke a leg and is at home recovering. If you want to help please feel free to make contributions to "Lawrence Emergency Fund" C/O Mayor's Office, City Hall, 200 Common St. Lawrence MA, 01841.
To learn how to make donations of clothing, furniture or money, people can also visit the city of Lawrence's website, or call 978-777-8876.
The family whose two children died are new to the area, Mayor Rivera said. They are grieving and the names of their children will be released at a later time, he said.
"There is an ongoing investigation by the State Police and State Fire Marshall's Office there is no other information at this time, we will keep you up-to-date as we receive the information. We ask for everyone's prayers and patience and that we honor the privacy and time of the families involved as they process all of their loss."