AFD checks alarms after fire hurt kids

AUSTIN (KXAN) - There were no working smoke alarms inside the East Austin home where Austin firefighters rescued two girls Monday , ages 11 and 16. Lt. Josh Portie said both were unconscious when he helped pull them out of a bedroom.

Their grandfather, Juan Morales, 65, was released from Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio Tuesday.

"When I got out of my bedroom, I ran to look for the girls, but it was too hot. I could not save the girls," said Morales.

Two additional grandchildren, a friend and his grandson's pregnant girlfriend are still recovering as well. There were seven people in the home on East 14th Street.

Fire investigators are still trying to determine what started the fire in the living room. They have posted signs near the scene to solicit tips from the public.

Morales believes someone set the fire on purpose.

Wednesday afternoon, Austin firefighters went door to door in the neighborhood offering to check smoke alarms. They installed alarms in homes that needed them and reminded people to check the batteries twice a year.

The Austin Fire Department will be including free smoke alarm vouchers in the Blue Santa baskets that will be handed out to 3600 Central Texas families this holiday season.