Johnson City Fire Claims Lives of Two Children

Two children have died and two adults were severely burned in a early morning house fire at 145 Floral Avenue in Johnson City.  No identities have been released.  The Johnson City Police and New York State believe it was a case of arson and investigators are still on the scene searching for clues.

Johnson City Fire Chief Rob Jacyna told WBNG TV News that they has to put out the fire in the lower portion of of the structure in order to get to the third level where they found the children.  The children were taken to Wilson Hospital but did not survive.  Jacyna told WBNG that tow adults escaped but suffered burns and have been taken to a burn unit in Syracuse.

Time Warner News reports that police believe the fire was intentionally set.  A news conference is planned for sometime this afternoon.  As this story develops, WNBF NewsRadio1290 will have up to date details.

There will be a 7pm candlelight vigil tonight in memory of the two children at 145 Floral Avenue home in Johnson City.  Organizers are asking that participants bring their own candles or flameless candles.