5 children, mother killed in house fire in Silsbee

SILSBEE, Texas – A mother and her five children were killed Wednesday in a house fire in Silsbee.

The fire broke out just after midnight at the home in the 8700 block of Fountain Drive. Ashley Pickering, 31, and her five children, Camden Mattox, 3, twin boys Cavence and Cash Mattox, 4, 7-year-old Serenity Mattox and 11-year-old Cristian Mattox, were not able to make it out, officials said. 

FAMILY PHOTOS: Mother, 5 children killed in Silsbee house fire

Investigators said the Pickering and her children are the only people who lived in the home, which was an unattached garage apartment behind her parent's home.

Pastor Randy Feldschau from the Cathedral of Pines Church, where Pickering's family attends, said, "You can imagine the shock they are dealing with, the loss of their daughter and five children. So it's very difficult to understand what happened and why so there are a lot of questions and very few answers at this point."

Pastor of Cathedral of the Pines Church where family of victims are members speaks out about tragedy. KPRC2 / Click2Houston

Posted by KPRC2 Sofia Ojeda on Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Several funeral homes were on site to help recover the bodies.

Hardin County officials said there is no evidence of foul play and the fire was accidental.

It is unclear if a smoke alarm was in the home or why the family was unable to escape.

A prayer vigil will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Silsbee High School.

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