Fire in Utica

[chris]

5 o'clock news here reported a fire in Utica where a mother and 3 children parished. Not sure why the report here unless they were associated in some way with Utica. Usually this would be a local news only would it not ? This is a first for me.

[dgriffin]

Geez, do you think the OD got enough photos of grieving relatives and friends? I think they overdid it. And were I a relative with photos of myself in that state all over the website, I think I'd be doubly upset.

[firstamendment]

Words cannot describe the sadness today when I heard of this. As far as I know, I do not know anyone involved, but the fact that a mother and 3 kids died, leaving another child with such a loss is impossible to wrap one's head around.

I would really like to know what made that fire burn so fast. It seems to have gotten out of control very fast.

[realist13413]

What a tragedy. My heart breaks for that family.

[clarencebunsen]

This is a really tough one. The woman did day care for my granddaughter 5 or 6 years ago. She lived on Brinkerhof at that time. I picked up Gabby many times there. I always worried about the neighborhood. She moved to a better neighborhood only a few months ago. According to my daughter-in-law "the word" is that something was thrown through a window to start the fire.

[bobbbiez]

My heart and prayers goes out to this family.

[Disgusted-Daily]

My heart and prayer's go out to the family and that poor little girl who now has no mother or siblings. What a tragedy.

I also agree that I thought the media over did their coverage on the emotions from the family and friends to almost the point of being disrespectful. We all know or can imagine what it would be like to lose a child in that fashion let alone three and their mother.

[Clipper]

What a tragedy this is. It will be even worse if it is found to be an arson fire and that someone DID throw something through a window to start the fire. Those old houses are as dry as dry can get, and burn like a paper bag. Many are "balloon construction" which has no fire stops between the studs in some cases, and allows fire to go up the walls like an open chimney.

My prayers are with the family of the deceased. How very sad it will be if it is proven to be a hate crime or a matter of a personal vendetta against the family or against those of hispanic origin. Four cases of premeditated homicide, brought about by prejudice would certainly make it all the more sad.

There are not enough hugs and shared tears in the world to console that little nine year old girl or the rest of the victim's family.

[firstamendment]

they are saying the original siding on the house underneath was the old asphalt siding that burns very fast.

[Clipper]

Just like soaking a house in crude oil and striking a match. The burn rate of that sort of siding was what prompted the move toward asbestos siding which turned out to be a hazard in it's own rite.
It might be time to change the codes to require removal of that type of siding before putting on vinyl or other types. That stuff coupled with wood that has been drying and seasoning since the early part of the 20th century turns a house into a well laid bonfire, just waiting for an ignition source. Very sad that people are forced by poverty or fate to live in places that are less than safe and secure.

[bobbbiez]

What is really making me wonder is why the father of the three little boys that perished uses an alias. He is known as Matthew Doolen and also known as Matthew Rolon. That right there doesn't make me feel too good and leaves me with many questions.

[firstamendment]

May 10, 2011 20:23:40 GMT -5 bobbbiez said:

What is really making me wonder is why the father of the three little boys that perished uses an alias. He is known as Matthew Doolen and also known as Matthew Rolon. That right there doesn't make me feel too good and leaves me with many questions.

Because there are lots of Doolen's in the area who have been trouble. I've known a couple of Doolen's who have used a different last name, either as an alias or outright had their name changed. His using a different last name could also be that he has parents who were not married and takes the last name of one of the parents. An alias doesn't necessarily mean he's got something to hide. Perhaps he doesn't want to be linked via his last name to others that do have something to hide.

I cannot say for certain his motivations, however. Only speculation.

[bobbbiez]

Have to be honest. Someone using an alias always makes me suspicious and I do question why. It's no big deal to change ones name if there is a connection to something not wanted. Just don't see it.

[Clipper]

I don't care if the guy is a drug addict and at thief, it doesn't take away from the fact that he lost three children and a girlfriend in the fire. How quickly we go from sympathy to suspicion. Sorry BZ, it just doesn't seem pertinent or of interest to me right now with the tragedy and sadness of the last couple days.

[bobbbiez]

Clipper, how well I know nothing including the cause will ever take away the sorrow or pain, but knowing the cause is necessary. I stopped down at the site yesterday and over heard some people say one of their family members saw someone throw something at the front door just before the fire was noticed and say a few things concerning the father. Just repeating what I heard which is all part of the investigation taking place now that I'm sure you and everyone will want to know the cause that took three precious lives.

It may not be pertinent or of interest to you but it is to those investigating and it is to the family of those lost in this tragic fire. I assure you even with feeling the pain of losing their loved ones, they want answers.