Adults identified in deadly Twiller Street fire

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)– The two adults who died in the Twiller Street fire on Monday have been identified. According to Albany Police, they have been identified as 52-year-old Erick DeCamp and 47-year-old Eric Peterson.

According to police, the names of the three children will not be released.

On Monday, officials responded to 23 Twiller Street for reports of a fire. Upon arrival, they were met with a fully engulfed house fire that spread to neighboring houses.

Albany Fire Chief Joseph Gregory described the fire as the most devastating fires in recent memory.

“We really can’t recall a loss of life to this magnitude here in our city. You know, we’ve had fatal fires over the past few years but nothing to this extent and in one single incident,” said Gregory.

Officials said a total of five people died in the fire. Officers said DeCamp, a three-year-old and a four-year-old were transported to Albany Medical Center Hospital where they were pronounced dead and Peterson and a six-year-old were found inside the house and were pronounced dead at the scene.

NEWS10’s Vanessa Blasi confirmed that two of the children attended KIPP Tech Valley Primary School. In part of a statement, KIPP Capital Region said both of the children are going to be greatly missed.

“Their loss is deeply felt by their classmates, teachers and the entire KIPP family,” said KIPP Capital Region in part of a statement. “We have additional counselors, along with our school’s existing team, available to provide care and assistance to both students and staff as we navigate this unimaginable loss together.”

A vigil was held Tuesday night outside the home. The grieving mother, who had just lost her children and loved ones in the fire, fought back tears and thanked all those who came out that night. “You guys, I have to say, I am so, thankful for each and every one of you people that have came out and paid your respects to my family. I love you all. We are all a family in this place.”

Gregory said that the fire started on the first floor Monday morning and advanced to the second floor, and then into the roof. It also spread to the two neighboring houses — 21 and 25 Twiller Street.

On Wednesday morning, crews began demolition on the house. However, the investigation into the cause of the fire remains ongoing.