AUSTIN, Texas — The East Austin community will gather Wednesday night for a prayer vigil at 7 p.m. to honor the three children who died in an overnight apartment fire in Southeast Austin.
The fire occurred just before 1 a.m. on Wednesday at the Burl North Apartments located at 2507 Burleson Road near Oltorf Street, where flames engulfed a single unit. Fire crews brought the blaze under control by 4:19 a.m.
Three children, all members of the same family, were pronounced dead at the scene. Their mother is being treated at Dell Seton Medical Center, and their father and youngest sibling are receiving care at a burn center in San Antonio.
East Austin Sports Teams (E.A.S.T.), where the two older girls played in the 12U and 6U divisions, announced that all practices and games scheduled for the day have been canceled in respect for the family.
“Last night, our EAST family experienced a heartbreaking tragedy. Let’s come together as a community to support one another and show what makes EAST more than just a league we are a family,” the organization said in a statement.
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The vigil will take place at the basketball court near Haros and Capuchino Fields, where the girls spent time playing the game they loved. Attendees are invited to pray, support each other, and offer strength to the family during this difficult time.
Donations are also being accepted via CashApp, Venmo, and Zelle, with all proceeds going directly to the family to help cover medical and other immediate needs.
The fire displaced approximately 30 residents, and the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
One firefighter suffered minor injuries.