CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Two children were killed and a third is in critical condition after a Clarksville fire Tuesday morning.
On Tuesday at 4:15 a.m., emergency personnel from the Clarksville Police Department, Clarksville Fire Rescue, and Montgomery County EMS responded to the 400 Block of Shelby St. to a reported house fire.
When they arrived, heavy smoke and flames could be seen coming from the residence. Firefighters were told that three children were trapped inside.
They were able to get the two boys out of a back bedroom. The girl was in another bedroom. When she was found, she was still in her bed and had not woken up at all, according to Fire Marshal Ray Williams.
Despite their efforts, two children, 9-year-old Travis Howard Jr. and 11-year-old Ann Howard, died as a result of the fire. The cause of death has not been determined, but Williams said it was likely smoke inhalation.
A third child, identified as Joshua Phillips, 14, was airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he is receiving treatment in the burn unit. Williams said Wednesday that the boy remains in critical condition but is alert and opening his eyes.
The children’s parents, Travis Howard Sr. and Robin Howard, along with 18-year-old Robert Hampton, who was visiting the home at the time escaped without injury.
“They were out of the home, in their bedclothes, and it was kind of a distraught situation,” Williams said. “I was the one that had to tell them that their two children died. They didn’t know. That’s not an easy thing to do.”
Williams said an investigation shows the fire was an accident, and its likely cause was an electrical problem.
The owner of the home had been cited for trash around the property in December, according to WKRN News 2.
News 2 obtained a copy of letters sent to the property owner, Jack Bennett, about code violations.
According to neighbors, the Howards were living in the home in December when a code inspector sent notice that “trash needs to be picked up and took off, also behind the house.”
Under the section cited for the violation, the city defined the trash and debris as a danger to the health, safety or welfare of other citizens. The letter gave the property owner 10 days to remove the trash or face an $800 fee for the city to pay for its removal.
The letter also stated the property owner would be responsible for a $150 administrative fee.
The letter noted the name of the Howards and contact phone numbers. It also had a note added on January 26, 2015 that the owner had corrected the problem.
On Tuesday, piles of trash bags and other items were visible around the home. The fire marshal also said clutter in the home made it difficult to get inside.
The Tennessee Bomb and Arson has responded to the scene to assist with the investigation.
Williams wants to stress the importance of having at least one smoke alarm in every home. “I don’t think there was a working smoke alarm in the home at the time, and I think that could have helped a lot,” he said.
On Wednesday, people left teddy bears and flowers at the scene in memory of Ann and Travis Howard Jr.
Family members described Ann as a sweet girl who was an animal lover. She hoped one day to become a veterinarian.
Travis Jr., who was autistic, was described by loved ones as a kind boy who loved trains.
Friends of the family have set up a GoFundMe account to help pay funeral and medical expenses.