Birmingham fire officials say the fire happened at a house along the 8,000 block of Third Avenue South around 4 a.m. Wednesday.
The fire was so intense that it destroyed the family's home and melted the siding on a neighboring house.
Investigators say the fire began in the front of the house, so the family ran towards the back of the house hoping to escape, only to have that escape cut off by a security door.
"I broke a window trying to get the kids out the window, but the smoke was so heavy we couldn't get them out and we were looking for a crow bar or something to get that door off so the kids will get out but finally the firefighters came with an ax," said Houston King, a neighbor who helped rescue the children from the fire.
Fire officials say burglar bars on the door hindered rescue efforts but crews were able to get the four children out. They were taken to Children's Hospital.
But 5-year-old Jeremiah Carger died at the hospital Wednesday afternoon. Doctors say the other children suffered smoke inhalation and are in good condition.
Their parents, Vincent and Rebecca Carger, were taken to UAB where they were pronounced dead.
"I called 911 and told them to get out here because the house is on fire," said neighbor Pinkie Travis. "It hurts so bad because I've been around these children for about seven years."
Fire officials say it appears the fire started from a space heater in a bedroom. Officials say they did not find a smoke detector in the home.
"They were good people," said Robert Carger, Vincent Carger's uncle. "You couldn't find better people. He was God-fearing, loved God. The whole family loved God."
Despite the sudden loss, Robert Carger said he believes he saw tragedy approaching.
"I had a vision of my father and my father's been dead about six or seven years now. I had a dream about him in his casket," Carger told NBC13's Ken Ward.
Carger awoke Wednesday to hear the fate of his family on the news.
"I believe it was a sign. It was a sign of death somewhere, that's my belief. I didn't know if it was about me or what," Carger said.
In spite of this tragedy that's left three children without their parents, Carger is hopeful.
"It seems bad at the time but some good will come out of it," he said.
Donations
Children's Hospital and Eastlake United Methodist Church have set up a fund for the Carger children. Donations can be sent to:
Eastlake United Methodist Church
c/o Carger Children
7753 1st Ave. S.
Birmingham, AL 35206
Copyright 2002 by NBC13.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
