Extension cord sparked fire killing deputy sheriff’s 2 sons

SCHWENKSVILLE, Pa. – Authorities say a faulty extension cord is to blame for a house fire outside Philadelphia that killed a deputy sheriff’s two sons.

A state fire marshal on Thursday ruled the fire accidental, attributing it to an electrical failure of the cord, which was plugged into a space heater on the porch of the home in Schwenksville, about 30 miles northwest of Philadelphia.

Authorities say 11-year-old Bryan Lukens Jr. and 6-year-old Parker Lukens were found dead inside after Wednesday’s blaze.

The Montgomery County sheriff’s office says Deputy Bryan Lukens is being treated at a burn unit. His wife and 9-year-old daughter were treated for their injuries and released.

Neighbour Lisa Dull tells WPVI-TV the boys were “very energetic, always doing something” and “always at the basketballs courts.”