Sumter County coroner identifies two girls killed in house fire Monday

The Sumter County Coroner’s Office has identified two victims who were killed in a house fire Monday evening.

Coroner Harvin Bullock said 5-year-old Isaya Cook and 7-year-old Traveah Myers were found dead inside of a home near S.C. 261 near the Clarendon County line after the home caught fire. The coroner said both girls died as a result of smoke inhalation and thermal burns

Bullock said two other adults, one of whom was a grandparent to the children, made it out of the house safely. The coroner said that the children were at their home under the care of the adults, while their mother was away at work.

Although the cause of the fire is still under investigation, Bullock urged that those using kerosene space heaters in their homes during colder months be cautious while using them. Do not place space heaters in hallways, in confined areas or near curtains or linens that could catch fire.

This story was originally published November 24, 2015 at 1:05 PM with the headline "Sumter County coroner identifies two girls killed in house fire Monday."