New Details Emerge about Fire That Killed Boise Mother and Two Kids

This story is one of those that just rips your heart out and you never forget it. Ten days ago a Boise Mother and her two children were killed in a horrible fire. Now, the father of the kids is speaking out and we are learning more about what happened that terrible night. 

Tony Sanchez describes his kids as smart and blossoming. 12-year-old Ryker Sanchez and 9-year-old Rylee Sanchez lost their lives along with their mother Jana Cullen when a failed heating element in a wax burner set their house ablaze.

The tragedy has been criticized by the community because there were no working smoke detectors in the home, but Tony Sanchez wants to set the record straight, telling KTVB that Jana was a wonderful mother who always put the kids first.

Sanchez opened up to channel 7 about the moment he received the most awful news a parent could ever receive. He says he was working from home and was talking to a co-worker when there was a knock at the door. Three people behind the door asked who Tony was and confirmed that he knew Jana, Ryker, and Rylee before delivering the terrible blow.

Jana's sister says that the problem came from Jana and the kids staying inside the home because they thought the fire was small enough that the mother thought she could put it out herself, but the fumes from the fire became too much and the smoke inhalation is what ultimately cost the family their lives.

Boise Fire and the family want to get the message out to the public that if a fire starts in your home that is bigger than a wastebasket, or is growing quickly, or any time you don't feel safe, don't take any chances and get out of the house immediately.

Tony Sanchez says the last memories he has with his kids was on a trip over the 4th of July to Salmon, Idaho where he grew up. He reminds parents and families to make every moment count and don't ever take life for granted.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sanchez family as well as Jana's family and anyone else who has been affected by this terrible tragedy.

To see a little more about who Jana, Ryker, and Rylee were and to send your condolences, you can view her Facebook page HERE.