FATAL FIRE: Two Children Killed, Mother Seriously Hurt in Apartment Fire in Northeast Palm Bay

By Space Coast Daily // January 24, 2025

32-year-old mother transported in critical condition to Orlando Regional medical center burn center

WATCH: Two children were killed, and their 32-year-old mother was injured in an apartment fire in the 1600 block of Sunnybrook Lane in Northeast Palm Bay. (News 6 video)

BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – Two children were killed, and their 32-year-old mother was seriously injured in an apartment fire in the 1600 block of Sunnybrook Lane in Northeast Palm Bay.

According to Palm Bay Fire Rescue Assistant Chief John Ringleb, early Friday morning at approximately 12:40 a.m., Palm Bay Fire Rescue crews received multiple reports of an apartment fire on Sunnybrook Lane.

“While en route, dispatch informed responding crews that several individuals were reportedly trapped inside the apartment,” said Assistant Chief Ringleb.

Palm Bay Fire Rescue immediately called for assistance from the Melbourne and Malabar Fire Department, Brevard County Fire Rescue, and the Palm Bay Police Department.

“Upon arrival, fire crews encountered heavy fire coming from a second-floor apartment with multiple exposures at risk,” said Assistant Chief Ringleb. “Firefighters initiated an aggressive attack, successfully containing the fire and preventing it from spreading to all seven adjacent units.”

Search teams entered the apartment and rescued three victims, immediately rendering medical aid upon exiting the structure. Despite rescue efforts, a 10-year-old child was pronounced deceased at the scene.

“A 5-year-old child and a 32-year-old adult were transported in critical condition to Holmes Regional Medical Center,” said Assistant Chief Ringleb.

“Later, both patients were transferred to Orlando Regional’s burn center for further specialized care. Tragically, the 5-year-old succumbed to their injuries, while the adult remains in critical condition.”

Assistant Chief Ringleb said a 15-year-old occupant escaped the fire unharmed and is currently staying with local family members.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office has been called to the scene to conduct a thorough investigation. The cause of the fire remains under investigation pending the official report.

“Palm Bay Fire Rescue extends its deepest condolences to the family affected by this devastating tragedy,” said Assistant Chief Ringleb.