ELKINS, W.Va. — Randolph County Prosecutor Michael Parker said Wednesday there are no signs that a deadly fire in Elkins was intentionally set.
“We have not found anything at the present time to indicate that this tragedy was the result of a criminal act,” Parker said in a news release concerning the Monday morning blaze.
Investigators believe the fire started on the front porch of the house and spread into the living room, blocking all escape routes.
The fire claimed the lives of two children shortly after the blaze but three other victims have died in recent days.
The state Fire Marshal’s Office released the names of some of the victims Wednesday afternoon: Alan Chamberlain, 29; his daughter, Brianna Chamberlain, 2; Catherine Bolgar, 11, Brianna’s half sister. The fire also claimed the lives of Brianna’s twin and a 4-year-old sister.
The mother of the children and her adult brother were still in critical condition at the West Penn Burn Center in Pittsburgh Wednesday afternoon.
Prosecutor Parker said the investigation is a collaborative effort.
“I am encouraged that all agencies involved have been working diligently and in conjunction with each other to provide the type of investigation that is warranted by such a tragedy,” the prosecutor said.