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Police investigate wiring complaints after Newnan fatal house fire

COWETA COUNTY, Ga. — The police chief in Newnan tells Channel 2 Action News his department is investigating possible complaints of prior electrical and wiring problems at a house where a mother and four girls died early Saturday morning.

"More than anything, we want to know what may have caused it, and can it be prevented in the future?" said Newnan Police Chief Douglas Meadows.

The fire, which began in an electrical panel, was ruled accidental. Witnesses said 27-year-old Alonna McCrary died while trying to rescue the four children ages 1 to 5.

Two were McCrary's children. Her 11-year-old daughter escaped by climbing out of a window. A prior tenant of the rental home on Midland Park Place told Channel 2 Action News she had reported electrical problems to property management. The police chief said that had not been confirmed.

"We are still in the initial stages of the investigation, looking at permits that may have been pulled for work at the residence from the building department," Meadows said.

Fire officials said a smoke detector was found in the home, but were not yet able to determine if it sounded an alarm.

A funeral for 1-year-old McKenzie Florence is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church in Newnan. Funeral plans for the other victims are pending.

Mourners have stopped by the home to place balloons, candles and flowers in the front yard in memory of the victims.