Conversations of fire prevention after tragic fire claimed lives of five children

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Thursday night, the community came together after five children died in a devastating house fire in South Bend.

The youngest, just 17 months old. 

An 11-year-old girl survived but is still in a pediatric burn unit. 

Investigators are still working to learn what caused the fire. 

The memorial at the house grows day by day.

But there's a new focus now, to raise money so families have a better chance of never experiencing a deadly fire.

Fire crews are still investigating what safety measures were in the home at the time of the fire.

Thursday, local radio station WUBS and Interfaith Christian Union hosted an event where they introduced Operation Fire Extinguisher Distribution.

Their goal together is to distribute 1,000 fire extinguishers to 1,000 homes by April 1. 

Interfaith Christian Union has compiled a list of more than 20 churches to each handout 25 fire extinguishers.

Reverend Sylvester Williams Jr. is challenging the community to surpass that goal.

“Those of you who are willing to support this effort said, 'You know what Reverend? That's too small of a number, let's make it 3000 households so this will never happen again', I don't ever want that piece missing out of me because of children dying in our community,” said Rev. Williams Jr.

WUBS and Interfaith are hosting a prayer vigil for the all the people affected in this tragic fire this coming Sunday at noon.

Also, if you are interested in donating a fire extinguisher you can drop it off at WUBS located on Lincolnway West near downtown South Bend.