Officials: One working smoke detector found inside West Allis duplex



WEST ALLIS (WITI) -- Autopsies will be performed Monday, March 18th on 14-year-old Michael Gonzales and 14-year-old Isaiha Kobow -- the two boys who were killed in a West Allis duplex fire Sunday, March 17th.

The fire broke out around 3:30 a.m. Sunday, March 17th at a home near 57th and Lapham.

When firefighters arrived on the scene, the duplex was fully engulfed. A second floor ceiling collapsed a short time after a young child and a teenager were removed from the building.

Fire officials say two brothers, ages 13 and four narrowly escaped the duplex where the fire broke out. Fire officials are calling the actions of the 13-year-old heroic.

“He went and found his little brother in the fire and carried his little brother to safety. Then returned to the structure to find another brother of theirs who was inside the building and was driven back by the flames,” a fire official told FOX6 News.

As the boys continue to recover at the hospital, thoughts and prayers are being sent to two others in the home after their bodies were pulled from the duplex.

Family members told FOX6 News the deceased victims are children — identified via the family as 14-year-old Michael Gonzales and his friend, 14-year-old Isaiha Kobow.

On Monday, March 18th, fire officials said the investigation into this fire continues. The preliminary investigation indicates the fire originated on the second floor of the duplex.

Officials say it does not appear there were any adults at the home when the fire broke out.

Officials say there was a working smoke detector on the first floor of the duplex. A smoke detector was located on the second floor, however, it was damaged by the fire and it is not known whether that smoke detector was working at the time of the fire.

The cause of this fire remains under investigation — and officials have not yet released the names of those who survived the fire.

Meanwhile, a fund has been established for the family of 14-year-old Isaiha Kobow. Donations can be made at any Landmark Credit Union.

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