Here’s a version written specifically as an update article, with the death of the fourth child as the main new development:
Fourth Child Dies After Devastating Utah House Fire Killed Father and 3 Siblings
The death toll from a devastating Utah house fire has risen to five after authorities confirmed that a fourth child has died from injuries suffered in the blaze.
Riverdale Police Chief Casey Warren announced Sunday that the child, who had been hospitalized in critical condition, had died.
The child’s identity and age were not immediately released.
The latest death comes several days after the Oct. 1 fire tore through the Bird family’s home in Riverdale, north of Salt Lake City.
The blaze was reported at approximately 1:46 a.m. near 4611 South and 1150 West.
Firefighters arrived to find the home heavily engulfed in flames with several family members still trapped inside.
The family included two parents and six children.
The father and three children died following the fire, while the mother and three other children were rushed to hospitals with injuries.
Now, one of those hospitalized children has also died, leaving the family mourning a father and four children.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the child’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” Warren said following the latest death.
He said Riverdale and surrounding communities remained heartbroken and were standing behind everyone affected by the tragedy. KSL
The children who initially died were reported to be between 5 and 12 years old.
The surviving mother works as a teacher for the Weber School District.
Following the original tragedy, the district said there were no words to adequately describe the family’s loss and announced that grief counselors and other support would be available at several schools.
Community members have also rallied around the Bird family.
A local church organized a fundraiser, while residents donated money, household items and other necessities to help the surviving family members as they recover and rebuild their lives. KSL
Investigators have since determined what started the deadly blaze.
The Riverdale Fire Department said Tuesday that an overheated power strip near the home’s front door sparked the fire.
Officials said the location of the flames blocked the family’s primary exit, making escape more difficult.
Investigators ruled out arson and said there was no indication the fire had been intentionally set. KSL
An official memorial account has been established at America First Credit Union to help the Bird family with funeral expenses, medical costs and other needs.
The mother and two surviving children were injured in the fire, though officials have not released detailed updates about their conditions.
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