Questions remain over triple fatal fire

BOLIVAR, N.Y. (WIVB) - Flames broke out in a two-story home in the town of Bolivar this weekend, leaving three dead at the scene.

The inferno struck the home rapidly on Sunday, not leaving enough time for all of the victims in the house to get to safety. Terry Green was able to save himself and one of the three grandchildren, 14-month-old Charlie. Green's fiancee, Tina Kemp, along with two of her grandchildren were unable to survive the tragic blaze.

Just hours before the flames broke out, Debra Sherman and her family, who are friends of the victims, were watching over the three small children at their home in Friendship. Many are calling Green a true hero.

"The heroes are their grandmother, my love who got me up at least, or I would not have been up. And the other hero is Charlie because he was the only reason I walked out of there," Green said.

Charlie was just released from Women and Children's Hospital on Thursday and is now in the custody of child protection authorities in Potter County, Pennsylvania. Charlie and his siblings were staying with Kemp and Green because their mother is in custody for an unknown offense in Pennsylvania.

Those close to the family are asking whether authorities could have done more to protect the children, considering Green and Kemp's physical limitations. And neighbors tell News 4 that the home was "deplorable," with waist-high grass out front and a front porch overrun with clutter.

Green is now making funeral arrangements for the two children and Kemp.