Cause of Mpls. fire that killed 3 children undetermined

Consoling the grieving family
Charlotte Fikes, left, the great aunt of three children who perished in a fire the night before, was consoled by another family member Karen Carter, right, at the home that burned Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015, in Minneapolis.
Leila Navidi | Star Tribune via AP

Minneapolis fire officials say they can't yet determine what killed three children in a fire over the weekend.

The fire was reported in a home on Penn Avenue North late Saturday night. Rescuers found two children dead inside. Another died at North Memorial Medical Center soon after.

Fire officials said they suspected the fire began around the stove in the home, which may have been being used to heat the home as temperatures outside slipped into the 40s.

But Assistant Chief Bryan Tyner said investigators have not been able to determine what started the fire — although they still believe it began in the kitchen area. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

A vigil was held for the family Tuesday night in Minneapolis, and another is scheduled for Wednesday night in Robbinsdale.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.