CROWLEY, La. --
State Fire Marshal Butch Browning said a wood-frame home caught on fire in Crowley that claimed the lives of two children while they were sleeping early Sunday morning.
At 3:43 a.m., the Crowley Fire Department said crews responded to a fire at 210 West 8th St.
Browning said that 4-year-old Tah' Jay Robinson was taken to American Legion Hospital where she later died, while 2-year-old Micah Johnnie died at the scene.
According to the Fire Department, four other people were able to escape from the burning house before crews arrived.
Fire investigators said the fire started in the master's bedroom and quickly extended into adjacent rooms.
Browning said that the State Fire Marshals Office, Crowley Police Department and the Acadia Parish Sheriffs Office are working together to determine the cause of the fire.
"Our deepest sorrow goes out to the families of these young children lost this (Sunday) morning. We will work hard for them to get the facts of this fire cause. I plead with everyone to please ensure you have working smoke alarms in your home," Browning said.
There was one battery-operated smoke detector installed in the home, but firefighters said they think the batteries were dead.
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