Cause Of Fire That Killed Father, 2 Sons Determined
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Fire officials have determined the cause of a South St. Paul house fire that killed a father and his two young sons.
The South Metro Fire Department released a statement Monday saying that a multi-agency investigation showed that the fatal fire on Oct. 13 started in the home's attached garage, where 60-year-old Soeun Sem was known to make food.
Investigators said the fire likely started as Sem was preparing to cook with propane. An open garage door maybe have contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.
Officials say that Sem as well as his sons -- 2-year-old Eric and 5-year-old Alexander – died of smoke inhalation.
They were in the home's second floor and likely couldn't get out due to extreme heat.
The smoke detectors in the house were working, officials said.
Sem's wife and the mother of his children, 35-year-old Chanry Soeng, was not at home when the fire started.