Investigation into the cause of a house fire early Sunday morning that claimed the life of a 4-year-old boy could take several weeks. That was the assessment of Alexandria fire marshal Michael Conner.
"All information has been sent to the lab for evaluation, and we won't know the cause for some time," he said. "We do know that it started in the area adjacent to the boy's bedroom on the second floor of the house."
Located on West Masonic View Avenue, the home was occupied by Terence and Melissa Fife and their children, Declan Fife, 4, and his 2-year-old sister, Barrett. Declan was airlifted to Children's Hospital in Washington, where he was pronounced dead.
It is believed he died of burns and smoke inhalation, according to fire officials. However, the actual cause is yet to be determined by an autopsy.
Safety officer. Capt. Thomas Harrell said the fire department received the call about 12:50 a.m. When the parents and daughter were evacuated, they told firefighters that the boy was in his bedroom on the second floor. The attic area of the bungalow-style home had been converted to a play area and an adjoining bedroom.
DUE TO EXCESSIVE heat in the building, firefighters had to use a ladder truck to reach the second story. Declan was found lying on the floor near a window, according to Harrell.
Following extraction of the boy, firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, which was confined to the second story. Harrell estimated the damage at approximately $90,000. Fire officials have said that the cause appears to have been accidental, but the investigation is ongoing.
The Fifes moved into the home approximately two years ago. According to neighbors they have been making extensive renovations.