She went downstairs to investigate. The fire spread so quickly she was unable to get back to her children and mother. The fire apparently started in the kitchen. Investigators say a short in an extension cord connecting a space heater to an electrical outlet is the cause of the fire. Family members say Patricia Leftwich is in shock.
Neighbors say they too are devastated by the loss.
Neighbors say Patricia Leftwich was planning to move her family this Friday. In addition to the move family members say she was working hard to better her life by studying to be a nurse. Fire investigators say they'll finalize their investigation early this week. But family members say their struggle to understand this tragedy may never end. Fire Authorities in Lynchburg are investigation three trailor fires.