SOMERS, Conn — Officials released new details surrounding the four children who died in a house fire in Somers Tuesday night on Quality Avenue.
It was determined they died from smoke inhalation and burns. The Chief Medical Examiner also determined the deaths were accidental.
"Somers strong – we got to bond together," said Theresa Mehl of Somers.
Whether you visited your local store or chatted with your neighbor next door, residents in the small town of Somers have talked about the fire. The four children have been on everyone's mind.
"It’s devastating," said Michelle Wink, owner of Sue's Creations.
Fire officials also released additional details on the fire in the two-family home that was built about 100 years ago.
Not only are four children gone, but pets died as well.
Somers Fire Chief John Roache is now focused on finding out how the fire started while educating all families to come up with a fire safety plan.
"Also just knowing different ways knowing how to get in and out of your house. So we say the two exits of every room. Your primary exit is going out the door or the front door – it’s the way we go in and out every day. It’s our common way but try to think about if there is an emergency, what would be an alternate way to get out?" said Roache.
One firefighter did get burned but the origin of the fire remains under investigation.
"We’ve gone through the house. We have what we believe is a general idea of where the fire started. Unfortunately, there are a couple of possible causes in that area," added Roache.
As the town grappled with the loss, residents have leaned upon each other through small acts of kindness such as selling t-shirts that said 'Somers Strong" at Sue's Creations.
"If we don’t help each other, we’re going to fall apart as a community and this community is strong as ever," added Wink.
Others are getting through the tough time by leaving up their Christmas lights a little longer with hopes it will spread happiness.
"Seeing the Christmas lights up – it’s a happy time for most people. I just think now it may put a smile on people’s faces when you’re faced with a tragedy like this," added Mehl.
Mehl is a former first responder herself and she has been thinking of the firefighters and paramedics who witnessed the unthinkable that night.
"It’s something you aren’t supposed to see and you’ll never unsee it. It’s brought back all the memories of all the situations I was put in," added Mehl.
If you would like to order a 'Somers Strong' t-shirt, click here to place an order from Sue's Creations.
T-shirts are $15 each and proceeds will go towards helping the two families impacted.
Town officials said the Somers Human Services Department is working closely with the families. They ask that if anyone would like to assist financially, please send monetary donations to:
The Angel Fund Town of Somers
619 Main St.
Somers, CT 06071
Carmen Chau is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at cchau@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook and X.
Have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.