Four Killed in D.C. House Fire

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Four family members were killed early Monday by a fierce fire in a Southeast row house.

A 32-year-old woman, an 11-year-old girl and a 5 year-old girl were found dead inside the home. A 68-year-old man died after jumping from the second story window to escape the flames.

District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services spokesman Alan Etter said an eight-year-old boy was able to escape.

Etter said a 57-year-old man believed to have also been inside the home was later found unharmed. Neighbors said the man rented the family's basement.

Family members stood outside on the chilliest day of the season comforting one another as the wind blew down the police tape protecting the area.

Firefighters received the call just after 4:00 a.m. in the 400 block of 17th St. SE. The fire is under investigation. Etter said they believe it started in the basement.

Next-door neighbor Vincent Morgan, 41, said he smelled smoke when he got up just before 3 a.m. to go to the bathroom, but thought someone was cooking. He awoke later to voices screaming for him to get out of his house -- that it was on fire.

The D.C. Fire Department has set up a fund for the family. Checks can be sent to the: 17th Street Fund; Friendship Fire Association; c/o Engine 3; 439 New Jersey Ave. NW; Washington D.C. 20001.