Baby Dies in Community's First Fatal Fire in 57 Years

"I've been through a house fire but to lose a part of your family," said Ms. Curtis as she choked back on her emotion. Ms. Duden added, "It's devastating. I know what the mother is going through. I have a son that passed away myself. So, to hear that... it's heart-wrenching."

Madisonville Fire Department Chief Kevin Emerson was so distressed he did not want to talk on camera. He says when he first showed up shortly after 9:00 a.m., he and a neighbor couldn't gain entry through the fierce fire but that neighbors had already managed to save at least three children including a boy who was revived after he was rescued. "The neighbor next door over here gave him CPR so thank God he's okay," said Ms. Curtis.

Some adults who also lived at the home managed to get out alive. All of the surviving fire victims went to the hospital for treatment of injuries ranging from smoke inhalation to burns. Neighbors vow to help the family who lost so much in this fire tragedy. "We'll all pull together and definitely try and help them the best we can," said Ms. Duden.

A state police fire marshal is looking for the cause of the fire. Meanwhile, firefighters coping with the tragedy will meet with grief counselors Tuesday Night at Madisonville Volunteer Fire Company.