3 months ago
Macon-Bibb fire investigators say they've determined the cause of an early morning fire that killed two children and left a third one is in critical condition.
Macon-Bibb Fire Capt. Tom Musselwhite says the fire was started by a small space heater in the back bedroom.
According to Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones, Mekala Barron, 4, was pronounced dead at the scene of smoke inhalation, and Zanesia Hollis, 12, was pronounced dead at the Central Georgia Medical Center ER, of smoke and soot inha.
Jones said Ricardo Barron, 7, is in critical condition and had to be airlifted to the burn center in Augusta. Parents Jessica Hollis and Ricardo Barron Sr. have no injuries.
The victims' mother, Jessica Hollis, says she did everything she could to save her little girls.
"I woke up to a house full of smoke and I heard my babies calling me," Hollis said. "I had to keep going outside for fresh air because I was full of smoke myself."
She says Zanesia loved school, and always got straight As. She says everybody knew Mekala as a friendly and kind child.
"If she knew you or not, she would give you a hug," Hollis said.
Jones said dispatch received the call to a house fire at 1075 Carlisle Ave. around 2 a.m. Monday. That's just off Napier Avenue.
Capt. Musselwhite said fire investigators aren't sure if the family had working fire detectors.
If you live in Bibb County and don't have a smoke detector, the fire department will deliver one to your home and install it. To get a smoke detector, call the Macon-Bibb Fire Department at 478-751-2700.
