Investigators have wrapped up the probe of a February housefire that killed a babysitter and a child. The Iowa State Fire Marshal’s office investigated the fire last February 14th at a Hampton residence.
Investigators have determined that the fire was accidental in nature and was likely started by an electrical arc within the wall of the second floor north apartment. The Hampton fire claimed the lives of 25-year-old Mackenzie Blandau and 22-month-old Luis Garcia. Both died of smoke inhalation.
Blandau and Garcia are two of the 24 Iowans who have died so far in fires in 2009. Assisting in the investigation with the State Fire Marshall were members of the Hampton Fire and Police Departments and Franklin General Hospital.