NewsCenter 5's Jack Harper said that Kaitlyn Orr was trapped inside the bedroom of her Bowen Street home. Cars parked illegally on the street delayed firefighters' attempts to rescue the girl.
"You see that smile, and some of the guys say that it is tough when you find a kid, and I can vouch for it. I rolled in a window and came across her bed and found her hand. I grabbed a hold of her and put her out of the window to another firefighter," firefighter John Cetrino said.
Shriner's Hospital confirmed the girl's death on Wednesday.
The case has become a catalyst for debate about what to do about South Boston's parking problem. The city is considering banning parking on one side of the street and turning vacant lots into parking lots for area residents.
"There are things that we can put in place. We have to have a community work with us on those procedures. We've tried to limit illegal parking. Double parking has always been a problem," Boston Mayor Tom Menino said. "We get calls and you can't stop it."
Firefighters said that Monday's fire was typical.
"We were on that street earlier that night and it was for a medical emergency. All the neighbors saw that it was a tough time getting down the street, but none of them moved their cars. Low and behold, we went back six hours later, and in that case, it didn't work out all that well. (The parked cars) delayed us," Engine 39 Lt. John Keeley said.
The Fire Department said the blaze was caused by careless disposal of smoking materials.
Kaitlyn's family thanked firefighters Wednesday for their valiant efforts.
"There was a horrible scene there, and they had no quams about going into the house, breaking windows and getting in there and trying to rescue someone that was trapped. That's a real humane effort. They do it everyday, but now it's involving my family," Kaitlyn's grandfather, Arthur Jones said.
The Fire Department said the blaze was caused by careless disposal of smoking materials.
