BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A Buffalo family is struggling to recover after a devastating house fire on French Street claimed the lives of two young children and left several family members hospitalized with serious injuries.
The Saturday morning fire tore through the home where Jose and Jocelyn Rodriguez lived with their five children. Two of the children, Jose Junior and Jace, died in the blaze. Their sister, Ava, is fighting for her life at a burn unit in Rochester, while their parents remain hospitalized with injuries.
Six-year-old Noah Rodriguez and his 4-year-old sister Rosie survived the fire and are now staying with their father's cousin, Jayjay Rojas.
WATCH: Buffalo family asking for help after deadly fire on French Street in Buffalo
Buffalo Fire officials said they believe an electric heater started the fire on the first floor.
"There was a fire in my house, and there was smoke coming in the house," Noah said.
He recounted how his father tried to save his family by bringing the children to the roof.
"I was jumping from the roof, and he grabbed me," Noah said.
Rojas said Jose, his cousin, did everything he could to save his family during the fire.
"He wanted the wife to throw the kids off the roof. He was bringing them all to the roof, and he jumped down and was gonna catch them," Rojas said. "He ended up falling in the process. I don't know if he broke a knee or not.
The children's mother, Jocelyn, is having a difficult recovery in the hospital.
"So every time they take the sedation off, she's trying to take the tubes out and she's fighting pretty badly. She keeps asking to see her kids," Rojas said.
WATCH: Cousin cares for two children after fire leaves Buffalo family devastated
Jose's condition has improved somewhat, though he continues to suffer from smoke inhalation.
"He's been coughing up a lot of black soot," Rojas said. "The whole room just smelled like burnt hair and plastic."
The smoke damage was evident when Rosie and Noah arrived.
"We had them take two baths each, and the water was tan, brown, gray," Rojas said.
Despite the tragedy, Rojas said the surviving children are showing remarkable resilience.
"They're keeping the family in good spirits," Rojas said. "They're just bundles of joy."
Rojas has committed to caring for Noah and Rosie for as long as needed.
"As a father, I couldn't, I couldn't even imagine," he said. "Anything I could do for them, I would. It doesn't have to be asked. I would take them in. I would do anything. I would work overtime, whatever I need to do for them to keep them comfortable."
He's asking the community for help during this time.
"There's no house, so I just ask for love, and if you've got a few minutes to spare once a week, to show them that they're loved and people are thinking about them," Rojas said. "They're lovable, they won't push anyone away, so my heart cries out for mom, dad and the siblings."
The fire also killed the family's dog and two cats. The cause of the fire, which also damaged two neighboring homes - both of which are vacant - remains under investigation.
On Monday, Buffalo Fire Commissioner William Renaldo released this statement, ruling the fire accidental:
"The Buffalo Fire Department (BFD) has completed its investigation into the fire at 69 French Street early Saturday morning, which tragically resulted in the deaths of two children and the loss of several pets, and caused significant damage to multiple residences. The fire has been officially ruled accidental.
"Due to the extensive structural damage and unsafe conditions at the building, a demolition has been ordered to protect public safety and prevent any further hazard to the surrounding community.
"The BFD extends its deepest condolences to the family and all those affected by this tragic event.
"We also want to thank our partner agencies — including the responding fire and emergency crews, law enforcement, and the City’s building and code enforcement teams — for their response and cooperation throughout the investigation and ensuing safety assessment."
Rojas started a GoFundMe campaign to support his family. They've set up three locations around Buffalo where people can donate household supplies to the family:
- 170 Congress Street
- 517 Stockbridge Avenue
- 31 Romoleno Street
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