Fast-Moving House Fire Kills Five Children

A fast-moving fire destroyed a house Friday, killing five children who were home because a teachers’ meeting kept classes out of session, authorities said.

The children were ages 3 to 10. They were believed to be from two different families, police said. Their identities were not immediately released.

Four adults were in the house, but the fire apparently spread so fast they couldn’t save the youngsters. Officials said the father told him the fire began when one of the children was playing with matches or a lighter near a bed.