By Annie Sweeney, Fran Spielman and Lisa Donovan
Chicago Sun Times
Copyright 2006 Chicago Sun-Times, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
As the Rogers Park neighborhood rallied around the Ramirez family in the wake of the weekend fire that killed five of their children, the building owner said smoke detectors were tested in the apartment just a year ago.
Fire officials believe a candle ignited the blaze early Sunday, killing five Ramirez children and a 3-year-old neighbor who was being baby-sat in the third-floor apartment at 7706 N. Marshfield.
The electricity had been shut off to the apartment, where Amado and Augusta Ramirez lived with their nine children.
Investigators have searched the rubble but have found no smoke detectors, officials said.
According to a statement released Tuesday by building owner Jay Johnson, the ownership company conducted an inspection in the Ramirez’s apartment Sept. 9, 2005, and found that the “Smoke Alarm/Carbon monoxide machine” was “OK.”
Two of the Ramirez children who survived the fire remained at area hospitals, but their conditions weren’t immediately known.
Funeral arrangements were pending for their siblings and neighbor.
At nearby Gale elementary school, which four Ramirez children attended, counselors were brought in and Principal Rudy Lubov visited most classrooms to speak with students.
“I asked them to count their blessings,” Lubov said. “That they should enjoy and do the very best they can every day.”
About $5,000 had been donated to a local community center for both families. A bank account had also been set up at LaSalle Bank. Cash or checks (made payable to “Ramirez Family Fund”) can be mailed to: Howard Area Community Center, 7648 N. Paulina, Chicago, IL 60626. Donations can also be dropped off at any LaSalle Bank location.