Five Family Members Killed In Staten Island Fire

Flames broke out around 4:15 a.m. on the top floor of a house at 302 Nicholas Avenue in Port Richmond.

The fire quickly spread to the roof and took about an hour and a half to bring under control.

A mother died along with her four children, ages 2, 7, 10, and 14.

Residents on the first floor said they heard popping noises before the fire broke out and investigators are now labeling the fire suspicious.

"What we do know is we don't find evidence of a smoke detector," said FDNY Commissioner Salvatore Cassano. "And we keep trying to remind people that a simple $10 or $15 smoke detector could have made a difference in saving five lives here."

Sources say two police officers in the area smelled smoke and rushed over to the house; they were able to help pull three families to safety.