Donations pour in after 3 children die

Thursday, Feb. 11, 1999 | 11:29 a.m.

The Clark County coroner's office reported today that the three young brothers killed in a mobile home fire Tuesday died from inhaling smoke and toxic fumes.

The bodies of the children were found in two rear bedrooms of the residence in the Casa Linda mobile home park at 5250 E. Lake Mead Blvd.

Elizabeth Gonzales, 25, escaped the fire with her 18-month-old son Ilan but was unable to save the other children.

Services are pending for Omar Jr., 5, Orazio, 4, and Christian, 3.

Clark County Fire Department spokesman Steve La-Sky said there has been a tremendous outpouring of sympathy for the family, with thousands of dollars being dropped off at 18 county fire stations.

"I've never seen a response like this," La-Sky said. "It really warms your heart."

It will be days before it is known exactly how much money has been donated, but contributions include an anonymous donation of $1,000, offers of free housing and free burial by Palm Mortuary.

"I have checks in my pocket right now ranging from $10 to $300," La-Sky said, and money is continuing to pour in."

Off-duty firefighters are at each station accepting donations, which may be taken to the stations or sent to the Clark County Firefighters Burn Fund, 1660 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, Nev., 89119.

When the fire started, La-Sky said, Gonzales, who is separated from her husband, attempted to round up her children and get them out of the residence, but they kept running back to their bedrooms.

She escaped with her youngest son by breaking out a bedroom window. She attempted to get to the other children from the outside, but the flames were too intense.

Her uncle, Jose Gonzales, of Modesto, Calif., is one of several family members in town to help his niece.

"A lot of family arrived from California," La-Sky said. "They're all cramped in a one-bedroom apartment. She (Elizabeth) leans on her family and friends. She has good support."

He said a language barrier has limited the communication with the family.