Officials identify victims of LaPorte Avenue fire

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Officials with the South Bend Police Department have named the children who died in the house fire on North LaPorte Avenue on Sunday.

With the blessing of the Smith family, the following children died:

• 10-year-old Demetris Smith
• 9-year-old Davida Smith
• 5-year-old Deontay Smith
• 4-year-old D’Angelo Smith
• 17-month-old Faith Smith

Their sister, 11-year-old Angel Smith, is being treated at a hospital in Indianapolis.

Two firefighters were injured in the fire, as well as one man, who’s been identified as the children’s father.

The cause and origin of the fire are still under investigation.

Fire Chief Carl Buchanon asks the community to keep the Smith family in their thoughts and prayers.

For those interested in donating funds to support the family, Chief Buchanon wants to remind residents to verify sources who are asking for money.