Space Heater To Blame For Fire That Killed 4 Girls, Mother

DES PLAINES, IL — Fire officials are blaming a space heater for a house fire that claimed the lives of five members of a family Wednesday in Des Plaines. Preliminary investigation findings released Thursday showed that the fire originated at the top of the stairs of the second-floor unit — the only entry and exit to the unit in the 700 block of West Oakton Street. Based on the location of the fire, officials believe it prevented the family from being able to escape, according to a release.

Officials said there were no smoke detectors found on the second floor of the building. The investigation does not point to anything suspicious or foul play at this time.

The victims, who all lived in the home, have been identified as Citahaly Zamiodo, 25, and her four female children: Renata Espinosa, 6; Genesis Espinosa, 5; Allizon Espinosa, 3; and Grace Espinosa, 1. The causes of death for all five deceased, released Thursday afternoon, were thermal and inhalation injuries, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.

GoFundMe Set Up For Family Killed In Des Plaines Fire

The Des Plaines Fire Department said the continuing investigation will include an engineering analysis to determine if and how the heater may have ignited the fire.

Firefighters arrived at the home at around 10:13 a.m. Wednesday following a passerby's report of smoke coming from the two-story, side-by-side duplex. Crews found heavy fire coming from the second story, where the bodies of all five victims were recovered, according to Anderson.

"This is a terrible and tragic day for Des Plaines. In my 30-plus years of fire service, I've never seen anything like this," Anderson said.

Anderson said search and rescue efforts began when crews arrived at the home. The four children were found and immediately taken to an area hospital, where they were pronounced dead. The adult was declared dead at the scene.

Anderson also said one firefighter injured his knee and was taken to an area hospital. The Des Plaines Fire Department was assisted in the effort by other area emergency crews.

"This is not something we typically see. We're doing a debriefing with our personnel," Anderson said.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for the family to cover burial and other related costs.