Police ID girl, 2, who died in White Plains house fire
Exact cause still under investigation
WHITE PLAINS - An electrical problem appears to have sparked the fire that killed a 2-year-old girl on Saturday morning, investigators said.
Police said Lalayjah Pearson, who would have turned 3 next month, was pronounced dead at White Plains Hospital. The baby and her grandfather, Charles Young, 79, were found in the second floor of their house, at 29 Nutgrove St., shortly after the fire was reported at 11 a.m.
Charles Young remained in "very grave" condition in the intensive care unit, Public Safety Commissioner David Chong said Saturday night.
Also hospitalized, suffering from smoke inhalation, was Doris Young, 77, the girl's grandmother. White Plains Police Sgt. Daniel McMahon, who Chong said carried the grandmother from the house, was treated for smoke inhalation and released.
"This is a terrible tragedy," Chong said. "Our hearts go out to the family. We tried our best. The actions of our first responders were absolutely heroic. They're hurting right now. They're hurting for the family."
He said a preliminary investigation by police and fire arson experts found that an electrical problem appears to have started the fire. Chong did not elaborate, saying the specific cause was still being considered.
McMahon, who was promoted to sergeant last month, was the first to arrive at the house, along with members of the police emergency services unit.
They tried several times to reach the two burning bedrooms on the second floor of the three-and-a-half-story house, "but the flames were too intense," Chong said. "Firefighters got to the scene within minutes, got to the second floor and discovered the grandfather and the baby," as McMahon carried the grandmother out.
"They're actions were heroic," Chong said.
Deputy Fire Chief Ed Ciocca said about 21 firefighters were at the scene.
"They did a good job and knocked down the fire quickly," he said.
He said the fire was contained to the two bedrooms, which were heavily damaged by fire, smoke, and water.
Carolyn Sherwin of the local Red Cross chapter said 10 people from two families lived in the house and were being cared for until they're allowed to return.
Trucks and engines were parked on Nutgrove Street and around the corner on Highland Avenue as firefighters for several hours.
Sherwin said the house was uninhabitable, and the Red Cross was providing assistance to those who were displaced.
"We are going to continue supporting the family, providing emotional support and anything else that is needed," Sherwin said. "Most of all, our hearts are very heavy from their loss.”