An overnight fire in northern Cambria County sent a family of eight to the hospital and prompted an investigation into what sparked the blaze.
Officials say the fire started at the hands of children. Crews say they were called to the home shortly after 11 pm. Once they arrived, they say they found six children trapped in an upstairs bedroom. Fire crews say their parents were unable to reach them through the flames.
"They were upstairs when the fire started. It just kind of got out of control before they could get out of the room," said Chief of Police Kevin Stanek.
Both Spangler and Northern Cambria Fire Departments responded to the fire and had the blaze under control within minutes. However, the fire caused significant damage to the second floor of the home.
Officials say the fire was intentionally set.
"It was a set fire. Is it a possibility that one of these kids might have done it accidentally? Ah, no," said Chief of Police Kevin Stanek.
All of the children have been taken to the Miners Hospital, in Hastings, to be treated for smoke inhalation and burns. Police are not releasing the cause of the fire at this time, but charges are expected. They are calling the blaze an arson.
The children's ages range from 10 to 15 years old. Northern Cambria Police say they are positive at least one of the children was responsible for the fire. They say they could make an arrest as early as Wednesday.
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