Cause of St. Paul fire that killed girl, 4, undetermined

Published 10:23 am Thursday, February 19, 2015

ST. PAUL — Investigators say they can’t determine what caused a house fire in St. Paul that killed a 4-year-old girl last week.

St. Paul Fire Marshal Steve Zaccard says investigators determined the fire was an accident. But the cause is listed as undetermined, pending additional information.

Zaccard told the St. Paul Pioneer Press that investigators did rule out the building’s electrical system as a possible cause.

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Ntshialiag Yang died of smoke inhalation after firefighters pulled her from her family’s home on Feb. 8. Her father, Peter Yang, had tried to save her, repeatedly running into the house, but couldn’t find her. Yang rescued his four other daughters, his wife and mother.

The girl’s funeral starts at 8 a.m. Thursday at Koo Moo Funeral Chapel and is open to the public.