Brother, Sister Killed In NJ House Fire

MERCER COUNTY, NJ - The two children killed in a house fire on Hewitt Street in Trenton Wednesday have been identified as siblings. The community is rallying behind their family with a growing GoFundMe campaign.

Disleiny Nicole Santana, 6, and her 11-year-old brother, Rolando Santana, died after a fire tore through their family's row home early Wednesday. Their father, Delvys Santana, told NBC10 the family had moved into the home just days earlier, on Monday, and that he believes the home's smoke detectors were not working.

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The children's identities and ages were confirmed by their father in an interview with NBC10. Patch's earlier coverage of the fire, based on statements from city officials, had reported the victims as ages 7 and 4; those figures have been updated to reflect the ages provided by the family.

"I am devastated. My family is sad. These are my children," Santana said.

Santana, who is originally from the Dominican Republic, said he was home with his wife and six children when the fire started. He said two of the children jumped from a window to escape; his youngest daughter and 11-year-old son were taken to the hospital but did not survive. Officials said the two children were found inside the home during a search.

Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora extended condolences to the family in a statement and urged residents to check their smoke detectors.

"I can't emphasize enough the value of making sure that smoke detectors are in working order and houses, especially when you're a tenant," Gusciora said.

The mayor's office said about 10 residents were displaced by the fire, which spread across two homes. The American Red Cross and the city's Department of Health responded to assist displaced families, and Trenton Fire and Emergency Services, the Trenton Police Department and the city's Department of Inspections remained on scene as county and state authorities investigate the cause.

"As we mourn these two young lives, I also urge every Trenton resident to make sure your home has working smoke detectors and that your family has a plan for getting out safely in the event of a fire," Gusciora said.

Trenton Councilwoman Jasi Mikae Edwards, who represents the South Ward, said two firefighters were injured responding to the blaze.

"As a mother, a Councilwoman, and a lifelong Trenton resident, there are simply no words that can adequately express the heartbreak of knowing that two children in our community lost their lives in such a tragedy," Edwards said.

Edwards said the cause remains under investigation and that she would follow the findings closely once they're released.

The GoFundMe campaign, "Apoyo para la familia Santana," was organized by Solange Fernández, who identified herself as a cousin of the children's father.

In a statement on the fundraiser page, she said the family — two adults and six children — lost their home and most of their belongings, and that two family members are also recovering from injuries related to the fire. As of Friday, the campaign had drawn more than 250 donations.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com