2 Children Die in NYC Fire; Mom Arrested

NEW YORK (AP) -- Two children left home alone died in an apparent arson fire early Sunday, and their mother was arrested on charges of reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of a child.

The fire was intentionally set, but authorities do not know who was responsible, fire department spokesman Sean Johnson said.

Firefighters found the children suffering from smoke inhalation in their illegal basement apartment in the borough of Brooklyn, the fire department said. Justina Mason, 9, and her brother, Justin Brathwaite, 1, were pronounced dead at a hospital.

Their mother, Kim Brathwaite, 35, was arrested later in the day. Police declined to comment further.

No other injuries were reported.