Family members of the seven people killed in a house fire in Akron Monday told News 5 they’re eager to find out how the fire started.
Tony Huggins’ younger brother, Dennis Huggins, died in a fire in his home at 693 Fultz Street early Monday morning along with Dennis' girlfriend Angela Boggs and five of their children ranging in ages from 1 to 14.
Akron Fire Chief Clarence Tucker said the fire broke out around 2:46 a.m. and that firefighters arrived on scene five minutes later to find the home fully engulfed.
Two other people died in a house fire on the same street just over a year ago, in a blaze investigators ruled was intentionally set. The case was never solved.
Investigators are still trying to figure out the cause of Monday’s fire, but they have not ruled out arson.
“It’s hard. That was my baby brother. I practically raised him,” Tony Huggins said. "I’m hurt. I’m confused. I’m torn. I need answers.”
Dennis Huggins’ 20-year-old son Tyennis said he visited his father practically every day and was still processing the shocking turn of events.
“He was an electrician. I helped him build that house over there before it burned down, put my blood, sweat and tears into it,” he said. "He’s my favorite person on the planet, my best friend. I’m forever going to miss him.”
As an ordained chaplain at Summa Health Akron, Tony Huggins said he’s used to consoling grieving families dealing with tragedy and now he’s consoling his own family.
“To be on the other end of the spectrum,” Tony Huggins said, “It’s eye opening. It’s a revelation."
