Officials still searching for cause of RI house fire that killed 5, including baby

Cause of RI fire that killed 5 still unknown

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Rhode Island Fire Marshal says officials have pinpointed the origins of a house fire that killed five people, including a 7-month-old baby, but still haven’t figured out the cause.

Fire Marshal Jack Chartier said Monday that Saturday’s fire started in the ceiling space between the living room and second floor. But he says more forensic testing is needed before the cause can be identified.

The victims included Amanda Villeneuve, her infant daughter, Anabelle, and her fiance Dan Janik. Also killed were Nicholas Jillson and Tayla Lackey. Warwick Fire Chief Kevin Sullivan says the sole survivor of the fire has provided helpful information to establish a timeline leading up to the fire.

Autopsies were done Monday, but the results aren’t ready yet.

Officials don’t believe the fire is suspicious.