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Thanks for all the kind thoughts. Update on the fire:

Investigators look for cause of fire that killed triplets

The Associated Press
3/26/2004, 4:23 p.m. ET

ELBRIDGE, N.Y. (AP) -- Investigators took a new focus Friday into what caused a fire that swept through a mobile home, killing a set of 4-year-old triplets.

An electrical expert was brought in by state police to test appliances and wiring samples taken from the burned-out trailer where triplets Paige, Alex and Allen Hendershot died early Wednesday morning.

A faulty furnace also remains a possible cause of the fire that also left the triplets' 8-year-old sister critically injured. Tamarah Houghton, who was pulled from the burning trailer by a neighbor, remained in critical condition Friday at University Hospital in Syracuse.

Investigators previously determined the fire started in the bathroom area near the furnace.

"We know the where. Now, we need to know the what," said state police Senior Investigator Norman Ashbarry.

It could be weeks before the cause is known, investigators said.

Lori Carson, 15, who was watching her younger siblings, was able to escape with only minor injuries. Authorities said she was awakened by the flames and smoke, but the fire blocked her from reaching her sleeping siblings.

The children's mother, Teri Carson, 37, was visiting a friend and not home at the time.

On Thursday night, about 100 people gathered in a small field near the charred trailer for a candlelight vigil to offer prayers and words of comfort to the family, and each other.

"They expressed themselves as 4-year-olds, with humor and genuine feeling. Their love was always unconditional. This is their legacy," said the Rev. Mike Grinnals, pastor of Camillus First United Methodist Church.

"It's a closure, and respect for the family, to show that we care," said Angela Ingerson, who helped organize the tribute.

A memorial fund also has been established for the family and further tributes to the youngsters are planned.

"We're in the process of building a playground dedicated to the children who were lost in the fire," said Thom DiFant, who manages the park.

"It will be in the commons area, directly across from the trailer that burned, and will be named for them," he said. "Those children were beautiful. The deaths had a real impact here. We are a small park with 87 units, so it's a pretty close-knit group."

Funeral services for the triplets were scheduled for Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Weedsport.