Detroit Crews Rescue Children from 'Hellacious Fire'

Detroit — A 3-year-old girl was in cardiac arrest and four other children, ranging from 5 to 10, were transported to the hospital Thursday morning after a house fire on Detroit's west side, authorities said.

Dave Fornell, deputy commissioner of the Detroit Fire Department, said a fire was reported on the 8800 block of Otsego about 7 a.m. That's south of Joy Road and west of Dexter.

Firefighters finished battling the blaze after 8:30, Fornell said.

Arson investigators believe that the fire was accidental, may be electrical, Fornell said later.

In addition to the 3-year-old, a 5-year-old girl, 6-year-old boy, 9-year-old boy, and 10-year-old boy were transported to Children's Hospital with smoke inhalation. The children had been on the first floor during the fire, Fornell said. Their condition is not immediately available.

A 25-year-old woman, who authorities believe to be the children's mother, refused medical treatment. There was also a male in the home. Firefighters pulled him and the woman from the upper level using a ladder, Fornell said.

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