Official: Fatal Rochester Fire Unintentional, Caused By 'Smoking Materials'
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Rochester fire official says a deadly fire that killed a 25-year-old woman and a 2-year-old girl does not appear suspicious.
Officials say the fire started just before 6 p.m. at a fourplex on the 400 block of 27th Street Northeast. Heavy smoke could be seen from as far as four miles away.
Firefighters arrived to find flames shooting from the windows. Crews used a ladder to rescue some residents from a balcony.
Survivors told firefighters about other occupants in a downstairs apartment, and two people – a woman and female toddler -- were found in a back room of that unit. One was pronounced dead at the scene, and another later died at Mayo Clinic St. Mary's Hospital.
On Friday afternoon, Deputy Fire Chief Steve Belau called the fire unintentional. He said the area of origin was a futon in the living room with smoking materials near it, which ignited the futon.
The victims have since been identified as Melissa Phiefer, 25, and Emily Phiefer, 2.