2 children critical after fire at home

Four children were inside a burning home in the 4400 block of Smith Street when firefighters arrived early Thursday morning, and all four were taken to the hospital, two in critical condition.

Firefighters were called just before 6 a.m. and found heavy fire at the rear of the single-story home, according to Adam O'Connor, Fort Wayne Fire Department's deputy fire chief.

An aggressive search took place while firefighters battled the fire and located the four children, a Fort Wayne Fire Department release said.

Two of the children were listed in good condition. At the scene, firefighters determined that one adult and nine children lived in the home, according to a news release.

Crews extinguished the fire quickly but stayed on the scene for two hours to put out hot spots. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, the release said. Smoke, water and fire damage were heavy.

jduffy@jg.net