Investigators seek cause of Illinois fire that left 7 dead, believe it started in rear of home

Investigators seek cause of deadly Illinois fire

CICERO, Ill. — Firefighters are sifting through a burned out home in a Chicago suburb, trying to pinpoint the cause of a weekend blaze that killed seven people, including a 3-day-old baby.

Ron Opalecky, an assistant fire marshal in Cicero, told reporters Monday that fire officials believe the blaze started in the rear of the home, which had several two- and three-bedroom apartments.

It was unclear how many people lived in the building.

Neighbors, meanwhile, are remembering those who died in Sunday’s fire.

Esther Soto described one of the victims as an adorable 3-year-old boy who would come over and give people hugs and kisses.

The Cook County medical examiner’s office says preliminary autopsy results are expected to be available later Monday.