By David Burge
El Paso Times
EL PASO, Texas — The El Paso Fire Department is still investigating a Friday morning fire in Northeast El Paso that left at least two people dead.
Monica Matos, 55, and grandson, Daemon Jones, 9, died Friday from smoke inhalation at the Timothy J. Harnar Burn Center in Lubbock, El Paso fire spokesman John Concha said.
Media reports Sunday said that two other victims have died, but the Fire Department and University Medical Center could not confirm that. Officials with the medical examiner’s office could not be reached Sunday.
The 50-year-old grandfather, Luis Matos, remains in serious condition in Lubbock with second-degree burns to his hands and feet, Concha said. He is also suffering from smoke inhalation, he said.
The fire serves as a reminder of the importance of having working smoke detectors and an escape plan, Concha said.
The fire in the 10100 block of Wolverine Drive broke out at 1:25 a.m. on Friday. Twenty-four fire units responded to the blaze and it took about 20 minutes to put out the fire.
The house did not have smoke alarms, Concha said.
“We know it started in the living room in the front of the house,” Concha said. “We want to make sure we do a thorough investigation, especially since there were fatalities involved.”
Concha urged El Pasoans to check their smoke alarms to make sure they are working. Also, make sure you review your emergency escape plan and go over it with family members, he said.
“Most fire victims who die, die from smoke inhalation,” Concha said. “Smoke contains a lot of toxins, like carbon monoxide and cyanide gas. This can affect your judgment in trying to get out of a burning house. That’s why it’s important to have that early warning.”
You should have two ways to get out of your house -- through a door and a window, Concha said. Make sure windows are not blocked by furniture and if your windows have bars, make sure they have a quick-release latch, he added.
First-responders to the fire have talked to peer-support staff within the Fire Department because of the traumatic nature of the event, Concha said.
Copyright 2011 El Paso Times, a MediaNews Group Newspaper