Watch CBS News

Fire Chief: 3 Dead In Wheeling House Fire

WHEELING, W.Va. (KDKA/AP) - Authorities say a mother and two children died following an early morning fire at their West Virginia home.

Wheeling Fire Chief Larry Helms confirmed three deaths to local media outlets and department spokesman Philip Stahl later confirmed their relationships. A dog also died in the blaze.

Fire crews were dispatched to the two-story home shortly after midnight when neighbors reported seeing heavy smoke.

Stahl said crews arrived to find flames rising out of the house, which sustained severe damage.

Stahl said firefighters found one victim downstairs and two others in rubble after the second floor collapsed.

The victims have been identified as Tracy Daughtery and her two young children, Ja'Vaun and Jayden.

"Anytime that there is a loss of life, it's tough, not only on the firefighters, but it's tough on the families. It's tough on the neighbors who know these people," said Stahl. "It's tough all around and especially the ages that we're talking about here today."

The state fire marshal's office was at the scene to investigate the cause of the blaze.

It appears to be electrical in nature and may have started in the ceiling area of the first floor, but the investigation continues.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.