Food Left on Stove Started Deadly Illinois Fire

A Peoria, Ill., fire department investigator says a blaze that killed a man and his two children was caused by food left unattended on a stove.

The Journal Star in Peoria reports Tuesday that Peoria Fire Department Arson Investigator Bradley Pierson said the flames grew, eventually burning the kitchen cabinets and cupboards. The victims of the Feb. 4 fire were 34-year-old Edward Gordon, 5-year-old Eandre Gordon and 4-year-old Emyrra Gordon. Autopsies found they died from carbon monoxide intoxication.

The home was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived. None of the three smoke detectors in the home were functioning.