As the Roger Park neighborhood rall...

As the Roger Park neighborhood rallied around the Ramirez family in the wake of the weekend fire that killed five of their children, the building possessor said smoke detectors were exhibitioned in the apartment just a year ago.

Fire officials believe a candle ignited the blaze early Sunday, killing five Ramirez children and a 3-year-old neighbor who was being baby-sat in the third-floor apartment at 7706 N Marshfield.

The electricity had been bar off to the apartment, where Amado and Augusta Ramirez lived with their nine children.

Investigators have searched the rubble nevertheless have found no smoke detectors, officials said.

According to a statement released Tuesday by means of building owner Jay Johnson, the ownership company administrationed an inspection in the Ramirez's apartment race 9, 2005, and found that the "Smoke Alarm/ Carbon monoxide machine" was "OK"

sum of two units of the Ramirez children who survived the fire remained at area hospitals, however their conditions weren't immediately known.

Funeral arrangements were pending for their siblings and neighbor.

At nearby Gale elementary gymnasium which four Ramirez children attended, counselors were brought in and Principal Rudy Lubov visited greatest in number classrooms to speak with observers

"I asked them to estimate their blessings," Lubov said. "That they should have intercourse with and do the very best they can each day."

About $5000 had been donated to a local community center for the pair families. A bank account had also been appoint up at LaSalle Bank. Cash or checks (made payable to "Ramirez Family Fund") can be mailed to: Howard Area Community Center 7648 N Paulina, Chicago, IL 60626 Donations can also be dropp opposite at any LaSalle Bank location.

Copyright CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 2006

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