Though the home was already engulfed in flames, the first thing firefighters did when they arrived early Saturday morning was to bust a hole through the exterior wall into the room where four children were trapped, Waubay Fire Chief Tom Harrington said Monday.
Firefighters pulled out two children, both of whom were already dead, Harrington said. At that point he decided against risking firefighters' lives to try to rescue the other two children, he said.
"We are pretty confident the other two were also already dead before we got there. There was too much smoke. Common sense said, 'Don't go in.' "
Even so, it was a tough call, Harrington said.
The fire was reported by a neighbor at approximately 6 a.m., and firefighters were on the scene for about nine hours, he said. None were injured, not even with frostbite. The temperature was about 16 below zero.
"Some had ice hanging from them, but they said they were not cold. I think their adrenaline kept them warm," Harrington said.
The town's volunteer fire department has 22 members, most of whom were available for the fire, he said. All who witnessed the tragedy - firefighters, survivors, law enforcement, as examples - will be part of a private de-briefing on Wednesday, Harrington said. Its purpose is to help the people cope with the trauma and stress of the disaster.
Harrington said he is dealing with his emotions, and other firefighters appear to be doing OK as well. "But it might be bothering some more than they let on."
The fire was apparently caused by clothing and blankets getting too close to a propane floor furnace in the room where the four children died, he said. A final report from the state fire marshal is expected today.
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