'It's gonna take time': Investigation in Smith family fire continues

SOUTH BEND — The fire investigation for the fatal residential fire, which killed six children, remains ongoing, the South Bend Fire Department said in a press release Friday morning.

The community continues to mourn the deaths of 10-year-old Demetris Smith, 9-year-old Davida Smith, 5-year-old Deontay Smith, 4-year-old D’Angelo Smith and 17-month-old Faith Smith, who died from the fire in their home that night, and for their sister, 11-year-old Angel Smith, who died days later on Jan. 26 at Riley Children's Health in Indianapolis.

As fire crews arrived at 222 N. LaPorte Ave. on the evening of Jan. 21, they were met by intense flames on the first and second floors. More than three weeks later, the fire's cause and origin are still under investigation.

What we know: Catch up with all The Tribune's coverage of the LaPorte Avenue house fire that killed six

During the memorial for the Smith children, Monday, Feb. 5, Mayor James Mueller said the city is still going through the grieving process.

"We all want answers for what happened and how could this be prevented so it never happens again," Mueller said, "and, hopefully, we'll get those answers in the coming days."

After speaking with the department's fire investigators, Suzie Krill, the South Bend Fire Department's spokesperson, said, "It's gonna take time," to get some answers.

She was not able to give a timeline regarding when the investigation will be complete.

"At this time, the South Bend Fire Department Investigators have turned control of the scene over to the Insurance Company," the Feb. 9 press release said. "The South Bend Fire Investigators are continuing to represent the interest of the Fire Department to ensure, that upon completion with the complex investigation and examination, a comprehensive determination can be released.

"Complex scenes like 222 LaPorte Ave., are going to take time due to the number of interested parties that have come forward. There is no concrete timeline that can be afforded at this time. It is frustrating to and for the members of the Smith family, the public, and the Investigation, but the coordination of all interested parties must be adhered to."

“You hear about this stuff all the time, but you never really know what took place,” said Sabrina Floyd, who came to pay her respects to the Smith children at the visitation and memorial service, Monday, Feb. 5, at Century Center.

“I only have one daughter,” she said about her 14-year-old daughter. “I can't imagine losing six children.”

Floyd admitted she almost didn't come but changed her mind because she wanted to send prayers to the family.

For healing, she said, it'll require a thorough investigation.

The South Bend Fire Department agrees. "We want answers, too," Krill said.

The South Bend Fire Department stated that they'll release information, as it becomes available, to to preserve the continuity of the examination and investigation. "This could be months from now," Krill said.

Email Tribune staff writer Camille Sarabia at csarabia@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: South Bend Fire continues investigation after fire kills six children