A child died following a house fire in East Carbon early Sunday morning, authorities report.
According to the Wellington City Fire Department, crews responded to assist East Carbon Fire with a structure fire on Carson Street. Wellington City responded with one engine and crews were advised while en route that the home was fully engulfed in heavy flames.
“Upon arrival at 2:11 a.m., responding Wellington units found heavy smoke and fire and the East Carbon Fire Department engaged in an exterior attack,” Wellington Fire shared. “During these efforts, firefighters were notified there was possibly a child still inside.”
Reports indicate that a rescue operation was immediately enacted; however, due to the extreme heat and smoke inside the home, it was relayed to the rescue team that it was likely a recovery operation.
“Within minutes of entering the home through the bedroom window of the trapped occupant, the victim was located and removed and loaded into a waiting ambulance and transported,” shared Wellington Fire. “Unfortunately, everyone’s worst fears were confirmed and the victim’s injuries were unsurvivable.”
The victim was later identified as 11-year-old Holly Fox. The cause of the fire have not yet been released.
“Please keep the victim’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers along with the first responders in this unimaginable tragedy,” Wellington Fire concluded.
In remembrance of Fox, a candlelight vigil has been scheduled at the Sunnyside Park. The event will take place on March 31 beginning at 8 p.m.
Candles will be available at the vigil but attendees are encouraged to bring their own. Emeryone is welcome to attend to honor Fox.
The family is also accepting donations for funeral costs. Donations can be made directly to Mitchell Funeral Home. For more information on donating, call the funeral home at (435) 637-2668.