State and local investigators have not been able in 11 months to reach a scientific conclusion about the cause of the January fatal fire that killed six children in the city's West Washington neighborhood.

By 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, fire crews had left the scene, leaving the smoke-stained building standing in remnants. Most of the building's upper floor and attic is charred and gone.

As firefighters entered through the front door — a standard tactic — had burned through the floor and was extending to the attic.

Community members gathered Monday, Feb. 5 at Century Center for the visitation and funeral for 11-year-old Angel Smith, 10-year-old Demetris Smith, 9-year-old Davida Smith, 5-year-old Deontay Smith, 4-year-old D’Angelo Smith and 17-month-old Faith Smith, all of whom died after a fire blazed through their home at 222 N. LaPorte Ave. two weeks ago on Jan. 21. 

Fire departments have a peer support team, made up of firefighters who are trained to be active listeners and to provide support to their peers.

Residents arrived to honor the children, reflecting on their own children and grandchildren at home.

As fire crews from the South Bend Fire Department's Engine 2 faced the raging residential fire at 222 N. LaPorte Ave. on Jan. 21, the winter winds produced challenging conditions.

Five children died in a residential fire Sunday night, and a sixth was airlifted to a specialized pediatric burn center in Indianapolis for treatment.