Fatal Fire in Diamond, Missouri

A late night fire claims the lives of three members of a four-state family. That`s first at five tonight. The fire started just before midnight in what officials say is a tragic accident. Investigators say the fire started in a bedroom occupied by several small children... At the house, located three miles north of Diamond, Missouri, officials say the children were playing with matches when several stuffed animals caught fire. The fire quickly spread throughout the house. 38-year old Gary Patrick, 31-year old Teresa Patrick, And 11-year old Kelsey Anderson all died in that fire. Four other children and one adult were able to escape. Officials say it`s very important to keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children so other tragedies can be prevented. Dawayne Lasiter, Missouri State Fire Investigator says, "...kids see mom and daddy light cigarettes with lighters and matches and don`t understand why they can`t play with them, so the minute their backs are turned, they`re going to find out what it is why mom and daddy can do it and I can`t." Donations are being accepted at Barb`s One Stop on Highway 59 in Diamond to help cover funeral costs. You may also donate at Murphy`s One Stop on Highway 59. Their address is 320 South Washington in Diamond,MO 64840.