Deadly Herkimer Fire ‘Accidental’, Village Mourning Tragic Loss of 3 Young Lives

A deadly fire that killed three young children in Herkimer has been ruled accidental.

At this time, Herkimer fire officials have preliminarily ruled it ''accidental electrical.'' They say the blaze on East Steele Street began in the home's basement and quickly spread to engulf the home.

The Friday morning fire claimed the lives of one-year-old Jackson DeCarlis, 6-year-old Richard DeCarlis and 7-year-old Michael DeCarlis Jr. The autopsy lists the cause of death for all three as 'asphyixia due to inhalation of smoke and the heated products of combustion.'

Herkimer Village Fire, Police and Public Works officials say they are thankful to the neighboring communities, business and individuals for the outpouring of support follow the tragedy.