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Three children dead after house fire in West Bloomfield

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WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. — Three children have died after being trapped in a house fire in West Bloomfield on Sunday night, officials confirm.

West Bloomfield first responders were called out to a house fire at a home in the 5000 block of Pembury Lane around 8 p.m., and reportedly responded in minutes, but the residents were unable to get out.

Firefighters from all six West Bloomfield stations responded to the scene. Crews were able to force entry through the front door and found the three trapped victims.

All three people in the house at the time — a 16-year-old girl, a 15-year-old boy and a 12-year-old boy — died from their injuries at the hospital, officials tell us.

West Bloomfield Fire Marshal Byron Turnquist said there were no working fire alarms in the home at the time of the fire, and that the cause is still under investigation.

"It's still too early to release an exact cause of the fire," said Turnquist.

Farmington Public Schools sent out a letter to families on Monday, saying that two of the students who passed away were in the FPS district.

"During this difficult time, it is important that we come together as a community and support the family involved and one another. The most important thing we can do is love our kids and one another," wrote Superintendent Dr. Kelly M. Coffin.

View the full letter below:

Related Video: West Bloomfield fire marshal talks about smoke detector checks and replacements

West Bloomfield fire marshal reminding families to check smoke detectors

The West Bloomfield Fire Department sent out the following reminders for the public:

  • Test your smoke alarms monthly.
  • Replace smoke alarms that are more than ten years old.
  • Make sure smoke alarms are installed on every floor of your residence, outside of sleeping areas, and in every bedroom.
  • Plan your escape. Prepare an escape plan, practice it, and make sure everyone in your family can follow the plan.