HOUSTON— A source in the Houston Fire Department told 11 News they are looking into the possibility that day care operator Jackie Tata was not home when the fire started. Three children were killed and four were hurt in Thursday’s blaze.
Neighbors are telling arson investigators they saw Tata drive up to the day care around 2 p.m. They said she opened the door to the house and smoke poured out, according to our 11 News source. The neighbors also said they saw groceries strewn on the lawn and inside the car.
On the record, HFD Assistant Capt. Lisa Campbell would only say that it’s an “active investigation” and they aren’t going to comment on details.
Campbell said they have not spoken with Tata yet because she was hospitalized for unknown reasons hours after the fire.
A neighbor said Tata told firefighters that the fire started in the kitchen, while she was in the bathroom.
Seven children, ranging in age from 18 months to 3 years, were inside.
