By John Surratt
The Vicksburg Post

VICKSBURG — Two children, one 16 months old and the other 27 months old, died Thursday night in a fire that consumed their home on Johnson Street.

Warren County Coroner Doug Huskey said 16-month-old Mariah Dearman and 27-month-old Glen Williams were pronounced dead at the scene. Their bodies were taken to the state Crime Lab in Jackson for autopsies, which he said are mandatory in fire deaths.

Firefighters were called about 9:49 p.m. to a fire affecting two homes at 713 and 715 Johnson Street. Vicksburg Fire Chief Craig Danczyk said police and firefighters arriving on the scene reported the fire fully involved.

He said a man who was unidentified tried unsuccessfully to go in the house and rescue the children and received burns to his hands and face. He was taken to a Jackson Hospital by ambulance for treatment.