FLORA, Ind. (WTHR) - Investigators say they know where a deadly house fire in Flora Monday morning started, but they still don't know why it started.
Four young girls died in the fire: 5-year-old Kionnie Precious Welch, 7-year-old Kerriele Danyell McDonald, 9-year-old Keyara Janell Phillips and 11-year-old Keyana Latrice Davis.
Their mother was hurt in the fire, as well as two officers who tried to save the sisters' lives. The mother was released from the hospital Wednesday evening.
Investigators say the fire started in the kitchen, possibly behind the refrigerator, but they're still not sure what started it. They do not, however, believe foul play is involved. K9 units were brought in and found no traces of accelerants.
There were no batteries in the second floor smoke alarm. The fire burned so hot, the alarm was scorched and melted.
“We applaud the efforts of first responders from Carroll County,” said Jim Greeson, Indiana State Fire Marshal. “Officers and firefighters from Carroll County departments distinguished themselves with their sacrifice and commitment to protecting the public.”
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The structure was originally a single-family home that was divided into two apartments. One apartment was occupied by the injured woman and four children. The other unit was occupied by a woman and two children. The mother with two children got out safely and didn't need to be hospitalized. Her kids weren't home at the time.
The community is mourning the loss.
"It's hard to deal with it," said Hayden Flora, who often played in the neighborhood with the girls.
"Her whole world revolved around those girls," Hayden's mother, Amber Flora, said of the girls' mother. The two know each other very well. "She was a single mom, working very hard and, like I said, her babies were her angels. I can't imagine what she's going through."
There is no time table for when a cause will be determined.
