Wiring cited as source of fatal fire

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) - The State Fire Marshal's office has released new details on a deadly fire that killed four young adults and a baby in Warwick, back in February.

Fire officials say the most probable cause of the house fire at 343 Buttonwoods Avenue was wiring that was damaged during installation. The fire is considered accidental.

According to investigators, the fire started in the first floor wall that separated the dining room and living room.

"This took place of a break down of the wire of what we would refer to as a 'long run,' very very uncommon," said Fire Marshal John Chartier.

Tayla Lackey, Nick Jillson, Dan Janik and Amanda Villeneuve all died of smoke inhalation the morning of February 6. Janik & Villeneuve had a 7-month-old daughter named Annabelle who also died.

"This happened at exactly the worst time it could have possibly happened," said Chartier.

A judge also previously allowed some of the victim's relatives to have their own private investigators inspect the damaged house for a potential cause.