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PIKEVILLE, Ky. (AP) - A state official says an electric heater is likely the cause of a blaze in eastern Kentucky that killed four children and their father.

Ricki Gardenhire, a spokeswoman for the Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet which oversees the state Fire Marshal's Office, told the Appalachian News-Express (http://bit.ly/V3lTMJ) that preliminary results of an investigation indicate the heater caused the blaze.

All five victims at the home in the Pike County community of Jonancy were found in a room that contained the heater.

Relatives and neighbors identified the dead as Billy Wilfong and his children, 5-year-old Dakota Lee; 4-year-old Tyler Lane; 2-year-old Cheyenne and Emily, who was 6 months old. The children's mother, Tammie Tucker, is being treated for severe burns at University of Kentucky Medical Center.

Officials say the home did not contain fire detectors.

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Information from: Appalachian News-Express, http://www.news-expressky.com

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