SHEBOYGAN FALLS -- The parents of three children who died after a house fire that happened on Tuesday night, January 26th in Sheboygan Falls have released a statement, and details on funeral arrangements for the children.
The statement reads as follows:
A candlelight vigil will be held on Friday night, January 29th at River Park in Sheboygan Falls. The vigil is set to begin at 7:00 p.m. Those who would like to take part are asked to bring candles.
Firefighters were called out to the home near 5th and Western Avenue around 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
When crews arrived on scene, they made contact with a nine-year-old child (Jenna) who was able to escape the home safely after being alerted by an 11-year-old sibling (Natalie).
Authorities say Natalie Martin then re-entered the home in an attempted to locate two other children -- Benjamin and Carter.
Firefighters found heavy smoke pouring from the structure. They entered the home while attacking the fire -- and then, with the help of thermal imaging cameras, located all three children in an upstairs room.
The seven-year-old, Carter Maki, died at St. Nicholas Hospital. The two other children (Natalie and Benjamin Martin) were airlifted to Children's Hospital -- where they later died.
On Wednesday afternoon, Sheboygan Falls police released the names of the victims:
Nine-year-old Jenna Martin was able to get out of the home safely.
Fatal house fire in Sheboygan Falls
Ryan Passini is an uncle of the children.
Passini said Natalie was caring for her siblings on Tuesday night while their parents, Chris and Kristi Maki, attended a Tuesday night church group meeting.
The State Fire Marshal is now investigating the cause of the house fire. There has been no determination of the cause at this point. Officials said it's too early to speculate.
Officials did say there were active smoke detectors in the home.