Watertown house fire; 3 found dead were students

WATERTOWN, Wis. - Three people who died in a Watertown house fire Friday, Dec. 9 were students at Watertown schools. According to friends and a GoFundMe.com page, they were siblings. The community came together Monday night to support the family of those who died. 

"The whole family was loved," said Nicole Sweeney, friend of the victims' mother.

A vigil near Webster and First Street in Watertown Monday paid tribute to the lives lost amid heartache and disbelief.

"A lot of people in the community are not quite ready to share any details of any kind regarding the tragedy," said Sweeney. "It’s a huge impact – not just in Watertown."

Fatal fire in Watertown

The Watertown superintendent told FOX6 News the district brought in grief counselors Monday to help classmates and staff. He would not confirm the ages of those who died. Police did not identify them Monday.

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According to a GoFundMe established for the family, the three kids were all related to each other. 

Watertown police said the State Fire Marshal and other investigators returned to the home Monday morning to determine a cause for the blaze.

Neighbors said flames burst through the roof around 12:30 a.m. Friday. Within an hour, neighbors said the entire house was on fire. 

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Firefighters said they tried to get inside to rescue the victims but were pushed back by intense heat, smoke and flames.

Watertown fatal fire (Credit: Morgan)

Sweeney helped organize Monday evening's vigil. Her children were friends with the victims.

"My oldest son told me I would never understand, but in a sense, I do. I just lost my best friend five years ago. I wasn’t a child. I do know what my children are going through," said Sweeney. "My heart breaks for the mom."