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2 Children Dead, 4 Hurt In Chicago South Side Fire

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Two girls were found dead and four others were injured in a house fire Saturday night in the Woodlawn neighborhood on Chicago's South Side.

CBS 2's Lauren Victory Reports.

There is still no official cause for the fire that killed seven-month-old Ziya Grace and two-year-old Jamaii Grace. Both children were found dead in the basement of the home. The blaze injured three other children and a firefighter as well.

Firefighters responded to the two-story house fire at around 10:30 p.m. and rescued a six-year-old boy. He's in critical condition at Comer Children's Hospital. His relation to the two deceased children is not known.

Two women, ages 25 and 48, escaped the blaze and were taken to University of Chicago Medical Center where their conditions stabilized. A firefighter suffered minor injuries and was taken to the same hospital.

Deputy District Chief Mike Carbone said the fire moved quickly.

"A lot of credit has to go to these fire companies. They went in there under very heavy fire conditions," he said.

Records from 2014 show the house on South Champlain Avenue having safety violations regarding the fire escape and stairs. Fire officials also said there were no smoke alarms in the basement, where the fire started.

Chicago Police's Arson Unit is investigating. The cause of the blaze appears to be accidental.

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