House Fire in Luzerne County Kills Two Brothers

11-year-old and 13-year-old boys tragically lost in blaze, parents and sister escaped

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A tragic house fire in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania has claimed the lives of two young brothers, ages 11 and 13. The fire broke out late Wednesday night at a home on North Welles Street in Kingston, with the two boys trapped on the second floor. The boys' parents and sister were able to escape, but the brothers succumbed to their injuries. Authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze, which does not appear suspicious.

Why it matters

The devastating loss of life in this house fire has deeply impacted the local community in Luzerne County. The deaths of the two young brothers, both students at the same middle school, have left their family and neighbors in mourning. Authorities will work to determine the exact cause of the fire to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The details

Firefighters responded to the blaze around 11:30 PM on Wednesday night. The mother was asleep on the first floor and escaped, while the father and a daughter escaped through a second-floor window. However, the two brothers, ages 11 and 13, were trapped on the second floor and died from their injuries. The 13-year-old was transported to a hospital but later succumbed. The cause of the fire does not appear suspicious, but may have originated on the first floor based on a neighbor's surveillance footage.

  • The fire broke out around 11:30 PM on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
  • The 13-year-old boy died at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest on Thursday, February 13, 2026.
  • An autopsy on the 13-year-old will be conducted on Saturday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Daniel A. Buglio

The Lehigh County Coroner who stated that the 13-year-old boy died from fire-related injuries.

Frank Guido

The Kingston Fire Chief who said the cause of the fire does not appear suspicious.

Wyoming Valley West Middle School

The school attended by the two young brothers who tragically died in the fire.

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What they’re saying

“On behalf of the Lehigh County Coroner's Office and Forensic Center, I extend our deepest condolences to the child's family, loved ones, and the Kingston community during this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragic loss.”

— Daniel A. Buglio, Lehigh County Coroner

What’s next

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities will work to determine the exact origin and circumstances surrounding the blaze.

The takeaway

This devastating house fire has left a community in mourning, highlighting the importance of fire safety and prevention measures to protect families. The loss of these two young brothers is a tragic reminder of the fragility of life and the need for continued vigilance to avoid such heartbreaking incidents in the future.