Family of 5 identified in Fostoria fatal fire

The names of five family members whose bodies were found following a fatal Fostoria house fire have been released, while the cause of the blaze remains undetermined.

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The family — James Rainey, 45, Jodi Depinet-Rainey, 41, Austin Rainey, 19, Cody Rainey, 15, and Jessica Rainey, 7, all of Fostoria — died at its home on Thursday, according to their obituaries on the Harrold-Floriana Funeral Home’s website. Two dogs also died in the fire.

Arrangements are pending at the funeral home.

Crews responded to the blaze at 10331 State Rt. 18 in Louden Township, east of Fostoria, early Thursday. All of the family members were in the home, officials have said.

On Monday, the cause of the fire remained undetermined. However, investigators determined the fire started on the first floor of the home, on the south-facing side, according to a news release issued by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Investigators have not ruled out electrical or heating-related sources as potential causes, the release said.

Authorities found three bodies in the front portion of the home. They were located on the second floor, which had collapsed on the first floor, said State Fire Marshal spokesman Kelly Stincer.

Two other bodies were found in the back portion of the home, which also collapsed, said Ms. Stincer. One body was on the first floor, while another body was on the second floor, she said.

Autopsies were completed at the Lucas County Coroner’s Office Friday, though the Seneca County Coroner Mark Akers, would release the results. Results were not available Monday, as a full report could take up to six to eight weeks, according to a spokeswoman with Dr. Aker’s office.

A young girl, believed to be Jessica, called 911 from her father’s cellphone at 3:46 a.m. Thursday, authorities said.

When firefighters arrived, the home was engulfed in flames, which were too intense for crews to enter the structure.

Family members at the fire scene previously declined comment.