image description

Fatal Fire Claims Lives of Two Children

January 20th, 2012 by WCBC Radio

Deputy State Fire Marshals are continuing to investigate the cause of the blaze that took the lives of two children this morning at 309 E. Harrison Street in
Cumberland. Investigators have determined the fire originated in the first floor living room.
The 6:05 a.m. blaze resulted in 7 year old, Paige M. Ford being rescued from a 2nd floor window in cardiac arrest. She received CPR at the scene and was quickly transported to Western Maryland Regional Medical Center where she was pronounced deceased. Her younger sister, 4 year old, Jymera D. Ford’s body was located in the 2nd floor bedroom after fire suppression activities rendered the home safe for re-entry. The mother, Tandra Ford is currently being treated for smoke inhalation injuries received during the incident. Five other occupants, including an
8 month old male infant escaped the fire unharmed.
Approximately 100 firefighters from Allegany County and Mineral County, WV, were on scene in firefighting operations. Three firefighters received non-life threatening injuries and were transported to Western Maryland Regional Medical Center and were treated and released. Three additional firefighters received minor
injuries and were treated and released at the scene. It took approximately 3 ½ hours to control the four alarm blaze that caused fire and smoke damage in two of the five row homes. A third row house received smoke damage only, while the remaining two row homes experienced no damage during the incident. Only three of the row homes were occupied at the time of the blaze. Damage loss estimates are $200,000. No working smoke alarms were located during the on-scene investigation.
The American Red Cross is providing assistance to the occupants involved. The Office of the State Fire Marshal is being assisted by the C3I Investigative Team and the Cumberland Fire Marshals Office.

LISTEN TO REPORTS LIVE FROM THE SCENE!





7 Responses to “Fatal Fire Claims Lives of Two Children”

  1. January 20, 2012 at 9:03 am, Brienne Taylor said:

    Many thought and prayers to all involved in this devastating tragedy. Thank God for the many firefighters, police officers, EMT’s and other personnel on the scene.

    Reply

  2. January 20, 2012 at 10:38 am, Jan Robertson said:

    Praying for the family of these 2 small children lost. They are now in the hands of God, with no longer any burns but their body healed.
    Thanking all those that have put their own life at stake to do such a fine job in this ice cold weather to save all that they can.
    God Bless them all.

    Reply

  3. January 20, 2012 at 12:18 pm, Kelli Kirchner said:

    Our hearts and prayers are with this family.

    Reply

  4. January 20, 2012 at 2:53 pm, No Name said:

    Listening to Bryan’s report about the police being called to WMHS to “keep the peace”, it’s my understanding from someone on the scene that neighbors attempted to put a ladder up to one of the windows where the children were. A police officer told them to move away because the fire department was on the way. When they continued, the police officer threatened to arrest them. This could be why there was a disturbance at the hospital.

    Reply

  5. January 20, 2012 at 4:48 pm, Elise said:

    Praying for the family. So sad.

    Reply

  6. January 20, 2012 at 5:01 pm, Resident said:

    This story fails to mention the 4 fire fighters that were injured during the blaze… bad burns, broken bones, etc.

    Reply

  7. January 20, 2012 at 6:06 pm, Keeri Bohrer said:

    My familys heart gos out to yours and your familys for your devastateing loss and the awful heartaches to come Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this tragic time. thanks goes to all the personell that responded to this awful accident

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Kelli Kirchner