Neighbors, family and friends of two younger youngsters and their relative who died in a house fire in North Philly on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, got here collectively to carry a vigil on Saturday.
Dozens of individuals confirmed up for the somber occasion on the 3400 block of Hope Avenue, the place a memorial is rising for 6-year-old Kataleya Garcia and her 5-year-old brother Sebastian Rodriguez-DeJesus, in addition to their relative, 46-year-old Nidre Annette Ayala.
The vigil included prayers, hugs and a launch of pink, purple, blue and white balloons into the air, which was adopted by a “relaxation in peace” chant in unison.
The fireplace erupted on Tuesday morning, with firefighters arriving to seek out the house stuffed with heavy smoke.
All three individuals killed have been pulled out of the fireplace and brought to space hospitals, however didn’t survive.
Based on household, the mom of the 2 youngsters was at work on the time.
A neighbor, who didn’t need to be recognized, informed NBC10 that the youngsters’ mom rushed to the house wearing scrubs.
“Mother was out working final evening, and he or she really arrived on the scene screaming and yelling ‘The place’s my youngsters.’ In order that was heartbreaking,” the neighbor shared.
Firefighters additionally say they discovered no indicators of smoke detectors inside the house and are warning residents to put in smoke detectors to forestall one other tragedy.
On Friday, the Philadelphia Hearth Division went door-to-door in the identical space and supplied to put in smoke detectors without cost for individuals residing there.
Following a lethal fireplace in North Philadelphia, firefighters helped set up fireplace alarms for residents who dwell close by. NBC10’s Shaira Arias has the story.
Officers additionally say that Philadelphia residents can name the fireplace division and procure smoke detectors freed from cost.
As for the home on Hope Avenue, it’s now boarded up and the trigger continues to be below investigation. Nonetheless, arson has been dominated out.
