Fatal fire underscores importance of smoke detectors

• Lionel Guerra and his family died in the fire over the weekend
• Firefighters do not know the origin or cause of the fire
• Autopsy results could take several weeks

INDIANAPOLIS -- The house fire that killed a family of six over the weekend has fire officials underscoring the importance of having working smoke detectors in the home, although it is uncertain whether such a device would have helped save them.

When firefighters arrived at the home of Lionel "Leo" Guerra and his family on Indianapolis' east side Saturday morning, they did not find a working smoke detector inside the house.

"For me, that's crucial," said Capt. Courtney Gordon, an Indianapolis Fire Department assistant fire marshal. "It's crucial that you have one, along with a family escape plan."

Killed in the fire along with Guerra, 47, were Brandy Mae Guerra, 33; Miranda Guerra, 14; Esteban Guerra, 11; Blanquita Guerra, 8; and Fuentes Guerra, 6.

Their home, a single-story converted garage, was built in 1930 and is owned by Lionel Guerra's mother, Isabella Guerra.

IFD spokeswoman Capt. Rita Reith said Monday that a broad picture of investigation is being used to determine the origin and cause of the fire. She said although investigators do not believe foul play was involved, they must work to eliminate all possible causes.

"Due to the fact that no one who was in the home at the time the fire broke out survived to speak with investigators, the timetable for finding a specific origin and cause may be lengthy," she said.

Reith said autopsies are being performed on all six victims. It will be several weeks before toxicology results are confirmed.

Indiana law states that all dwellings must have at least one functioning smoke alarm installed outside each sleeping area and on each level of the home. A landlord who violates this law could be charged with a Class B infraction, which is punishable by a fine up to $1,000.

The law does not specify punishment for an individual homeowner who fails to install a working fire alarm.