BIRMINGHAM ALABAMA, a devastating early-morning house fire in west Birmingham claimed the lives of three family members, including an 18-year-old high school senior, authorities confirmed.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as 49-year-old Edward Hicks III, his 48-year-old wife Farintina Pleshette Hicks, and their daughter, 18-year-old Laila Nicole Hicks. All three were residents of Birmingham.
According to Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service officials, crews were dispatched at approximately 2:00 a.m. Wednesday to a one-story brick home in the 6600 block of Avenue K in the Green Acres community.
The fire was initially reported by a neighbor who called 911 after noticing flames coming from the residence.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and fire conditions at the home.
Despite emergency response efforts, all three occupants were critically injured and transported to UAB Hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.
Officials noted that there were no working smoke detectors inside the home, which may have affected the family’s ability to escape.
The incident has had a significant impact on the local community, including Birmingham City Schools. Laila Hicks was a senior at Ramsay IB High School.
In a statement, the school district expressed condolences and said grief counseling services would be made available to students and staff.
Authorities confirmed that the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause and origin of the fire.
The Birmingham Police Department is also conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
No further details have been released as the investigations remain ongoing.
