BATAVIA/Two young children die in blaze

Two 2 year old boys died in a house fire on Friday night on State street. Fire crews were called to 8157 State street about 10:00 p.m. after dispatchers received a 9-1-1 call from an upstairs neighbor reporting heavy smoke and flames. According to Deputy Fire Chief Dan Coffey, several bystanders attempted to make entry at the rear of the first floor apartment, but were pushed back by heavy flames. Firefighters were able to make entry at the back of the structure and find the twin boys in a back bedroom. The boy's mother then arrived on scene in a hysterical state, attempting to enter the burning building. She had to be restrained by law enforcement and emergency crews. Another family member also was hysterical and had to be held back by deputies. The mother of the twin boys was transported to UMMC by ambulance. At this time the cause of the fire is under investigation and the scene has been taped off. Genesee County Fire Investigators have been on scene all morning. According to Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster with the Sheriff's Office, there may not have been an adult in the apartment at the time of the fire. The owner of the two family home, Joe Burke, lives three doors down from the apartment house. He says flames were shooting from the kitchen and back bedroom area when he arrived on scene. Brewster says they will talk to the boys mother when she is able to find out more. Three kittens were also rescued by firefighters.