Video: Three Children Killed in Vardaman Fire

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By Chad Groening

VARDAMAN, Miss. (WCBI) – The city of Vardaman is grieving, following an early morning fire that claimed the lives of three children.

There were still flames shooting out of the structure Saturday afternoon as city work crews demolished the rest of the house on First Street that was completely gutted by the early morning fire.

A passerby noticed the residence was in flames at 3:00 a.m. and notified authorities.

“The mother and two older daughers got out of the house,” said Vardaman Police Chief Kenneth Scott. “The little 7-year-old girl also got out, but she had a twin brother and an older brother so she retreated back into the house to try to save her brothers and she got caught up in the house also.”

The victims have been identifed as twins Isabel Razo and Yobani Razo, 7, and their older brother Oscar Razo, 9. First Baptist Church Vardaman has spearheaded the effort to help the family. Archie Goodwin is the pastor.

“All of the children were members of our church,” Goodwin said. “As a matter of fact the three that perished in the fire, they were part of our Awana program here at the church and during Vacation Bible School this year they accepted the Lord and were baptized this summer.”

Scott says the fire marshal’s office has already determined the cause of the fire was an electric heater in the living room.

Meanwhile, church members and others spent the day getting a house ready to be the temporary home for the survivors, until a permanent arrangement can be made.

“It affects the whole community,” Scott said. “Everbody’s hearts are very saddened because everybody knew these children and knew the family. It’s just a tragedy situation.”

“They’ve become a part of our hearts and we’re just very saddened because of what’s happened,” Goodwin said.

Goodwin says anyone wanting to make financial contributions can contact First Baptist Church Vardaman at (662) 682-7458.