Fire Department: Fire that killed mother, 2 daughters ruled accidental

El Paso Fire officials have ruled Monday’s fire that killed three people an accidental fire.

Fire officials say an overheated griddle on the stove is what caused the fire before 4:30 a.m. on Monday in the apartment on the 9500 block of Sims.

The fire was extinguished by 5:15 a.m.

The mother and daughters killed by injuries in the fire have been identified as 32-year old Magaly Mendoza, 11-year old Andrea Garcia, and 4-year-old Paulina Ortega. Andrea was a sixth grader at Armendariz Middle School in the El Paso Independent School District.

It is unknown at this time if this apartment unit had working smoke alarms, but units in the complex have at least two smoke alarms, according to fire officials.

Perla Mendoza, 22, carrying her infant daughter, and 33-year-old Lizette Gomez were able to escape the fire through the apartment’s front door.

The El Paso Fire Department is reminding the public about its free smoke alarm program.

Residents who do not have a smoke alarm who live within the city limits of El Paso, own their home and are willing to let the El Paso Fire Department make the installation, can request a FREE smoke alarm by calling 485-5699 or by visitingwww.elpasotexas.gov/fire-department/services.

In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can get completely out of control and begin filling a home with thick, black, poisonous smoke. In just a few minutes, a home can become completely engulfed with flames. With the advance notice of a working smoke alarm, residents can escape with their lives.

Additionally, the El Paso Fire Department would like to offer the following kitchen safety tips:

1. Keep children at least three feet away from the stove when food is cooking.

2. Avoid loose-fitting clothing.

3. Never leave food unattended when cooking.

4. Always turn pot handles inward.

5. Don’t store combustibles items on the stove (e.g. potholders, hand towels).

6. Don’t use electrical appliances near water and unplug them after use.

7. Don’t overload electrical outlets.

8. Have an all-purpose extinguisher nearby.

9. Be sure the kitchen is well ventilated to prevent build-up of carbon monoxide from appliances.

These and other tips are available athttp://www.elpasotexas.gov/fire-department/divisions/fire-prevention.