There is still no word on what caused an apartment fire early Tuesday morning that left four people dead and several injured.
Firefighters arrived at 2:37 a.m. to a fire at the Colonial Park Apartments. About 35 personnel and 10 trucks were present.
Two of the victims, a father and his son. Jauquin Camargo Sr., 42, and Christopher Camargo, 11, were killed in the blaze. Christopher was a student at Marrs Magnet Center.
So far, investigators have determined that the fire began at about 2:30 a.m. just above an entry stairwell on the ground floor of the building.
Investigators said that the fire spread upward and outward from there, reaching the second and third floors.
NewsWatch 7 was told that the fire blocked the stairway leading out of the building, forcing residents to escape through windows.
The fire was going on as there was an electrical storm outside.
The Omaha Fire Department officials praised their teams for doing their best under the circumstances.
"The thing about this fire was the conditions. You have the chaos -- not only that, but the elements, too -- that lightning storm. You've got guys climbing up there on ladders during that lightning," said Joe Fuxa, assistant chief at the Omaha Fire Department.
Four people who were injured in the fire remain hospitalized at the Creighton Medical Center. They are in serious condition and their names are not being released.
Fire officials said that the fire's cause could be made public as soon as Thursday, or it could take as long as a week.
The American Red Cross has been working to help the survivors since the fire happened.
It said that because of storage limitations, what is needed is monetary donations, not clothing or furniture.
Those who would like to make a tax-deductible monetary donation can call the Heartland Chapter at 402-343-7700. Donations are also accepted by mail at:
American Red Cross Heartland Chapter
12 S. 80th Ave.
Omaha, NE 68124
Previous Stories:
- August 2, 2006: Names Of Two Fire Victims Released
- August 1, 2006: Residents Say Blaze Spread Quickly
- August 1, 2006: Survivors Recall Escape From Apartment Fire
- August 1, 2006: Neighbors Help Rescue Victims From Burning Building
- August 1, 2006: Four Dead, Several Injured In Overnight Apartment Blaze
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