Search for Fire`s Cause

The residents of two Camden County towns are experiencing a combination of shock and grief this morning, trying to cope with the horrifying fire and building collapse that killed three firefighters and three children. A spontaneous memorial to the six victims continued to grow early Friday morning. People have been leaving flowers, candles and other symbols here in the wake of the tragedy.

The roof of a three-story duplex at 200 North Broadway collapsed Thursday. Three firefighters, one from Gloucester City and two from nearby Mount Ephraim were inside, trying to rescue three children.

All six died.

The mother of the children had been rescued before the roof collapsed. She's in critical condition.

Five firefighters were found alive in the wreckage.

The cause of the fire remains to be determined.

Three weeks ago, the Slack sisters frolicked in a hammock on a family camping trip. Mom Katia also joined in.

But on the morning they were to set off on yet another camp-out their duplex caught fire and collapsed around them.

Five-year-old Alexandria and three-year-old twins Claudia and Claudette would die with three of the eight firefighters who went in to save them.

Robert Saunder/Gloucester City F.D.: "We were able to rescue five of the firefighters. Unfortunately three of them did give the ultimate sacrifice and we were able to recover our comrades."

Outside the Gloucester City Fire House the memorial plaque now bears a new name.

That of 7-year firefighter and E.M.T. Thomas Stewart, who leaves behind a 16-month-old son and fiancee.

Tammy Parker/victim's friend: "He got engaged last night on a fire truck at the fireworks so it's a little traumatic for us all." Red white and blue balloons sit alongside black bunting in Mt. Ephraim where they lost two long time leaders in their department. Chief James Sylvester – with the department 17 years – was expecting his first child.

The soot-covered hat of Deputy Chief John West is at the center of a memorial to this father of three who was a firefighter for 23 years.

Jim Everett/victim's friend: "It hurts. The man was a good father and he's good to his children he'd help anybody. He'd help anybody around." The fire departments of Mount Ephraim and Gloucester City are now asking for the community's prayers. Friends of the Slack family are trying to gather money for the little girls' funerals.

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Author: 6 ABC-AP