Atlanta 12/28/2011 2:09:18 AM
News / People

Yule Log Ashes Believed To Be Cause of Tragic Christmas Day Fire In Connecticut

Stamford, Connecticut fire officials reportedly believe ashes from a Yule log started the tragic Christmas morning fire that killed the three children and parents of successful ad executive Madonna Badger. According to reports, Badger and family friend Michael Borcina placed the ashes in a bucket before going to bed. Around 5 a.m., authorities received calls that the $1.7 million house was engulfed in flames.

Badger and Borcina were the only survivors. Badger’s parents, Lomer and Pauline Johnson, and three daughters, 10-year-old Lily, and 7-year-old twins Grace and Sarah, died. Badger, founder of the advertising company Badger and Winters Group, reportedly had to be pulled from the home while trying to save her children.

Stamford Fire Chief Antonio Conte said it appears Lomer Johnson died while trying to save one of his granddaughters. He was found on the roof of the house just outside the child’s bedroom window. "He died on the outside, and she died on the inside. She was right next to him,” Conte said.

Both Badger and Borcina were treated at a Stamford Hospital. Badger was released Sunday while Borcina remained hospitalized Monday in stable condition. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Badger’s estranged husband Matthew Badger was at his home in NYC when the fire happened. He was driven to Stamford by police officers on Sunday.

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