13-Year-Old Dies, Another Child Critical After Intense PA House Fire

Authorities say the cause of the deadly blaze remains under investigation.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A 13-year-old boy has died and another child remains in critical condition after a fast-moving house fire tore through a home in Kingston, Pennsylvania late Wednesday night. Emergency crews responded to the scene and immediately began rescue and fire suppression efforts, but were unable to save the teen who later died at a local hospital. The cause of the fire is currently undetermined and not believed to be suspicious, according to authorities.

Why it matters

House fires can have devastating consequences, especially when they involve children. This tragic incident has shaken the Kingston community and raised questions about fire safety and prevention measures. The ongoing investigation will aim to determine the cause of the blaze and whether any steps could have been taken to avoid such a tragic outcome.

The details

The fire broke out around 11:07 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11 in the 60 block of North Welles Street in Kingston, Luzerne County. When officers and firefighters arrived, they encountered 'extreme flames and heavy smoke conditions' and immediately began rescue and fire suppression efforts. Despite their efforts, one 13-year-old juvenile died and another young boy remains hospitalized in critical condition. A joint investigation by local police, the fire department, and state police determined the cause of the fire is undetermined and remains under active investigation.

  • The fire broke out around 11:07 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11.
  • The 13-year-old victim was pronounced dead at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest at 9:31 p.m. on Thursday, February 12.
  • An autopsy is scheduled for Saturday, February 14 to help determine the cause and manner of death.

The players

Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio

The Lehigh County Coroner who announced the 13-year-old victim's death.

Kingston Municipal Police Department

The local police department that responded to the fire and is leading the investigation.

Kingston Forty-Fort Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to the fire and is assisting with the investigation.

Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal

The state police agency that is also investigating the cause of the deadly fire.

Jasterzenski, Scalfer, and Moran family

The family who lost their home and belongings in the fire and are now facing funeral expenses and ongoing medical bills.

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What they’re saying

“We ask that you keep the family in your thoughts at this devastating time.”

— Kingston Forty-Fort Fire Department (dailyvoice.com)

“No family is ever prepared for a loss like this. In a matter of moments, their world was turned upside down.”

— GoFundMe organizer (dailyvoice.com)

What’s next

An autopsy is scheduled for Saturday, February 14 to help determine the cause and manner of death of the 13-year-old victim.

The takeaway

This tragic house fire has devastated the Kingston community and highlights the importance of fire safety and prevention measures, especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable children. The ongoing investigation will aim to uncover the cause of the blaze and whether any steps could have been taken to avoid such a tragic outcome.