House where 7 died had no gas heat

WAYNESBURG, Pa. (AP) _ Natural gas service had been turned off nearly two years ago at the house in which a woman and six children died in a fire, officials said Sunday.

Fire swept through the house early Saturday, and police said the young victims were four girls who ranged in age from 5 to 10, and two boys ages 2 and 3. The woman was the mother of three of the children. Another person was injured in the blaze.

The house in Franklin Township, about 35 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, had been without natural gas service since May 2005, said Patricia Kornick, spokeswoman for Equitable Resources, which serves the area. She would not say why service was terminated.

Family members said the house had a wood-burning stove and authorities said they found several small space heaters throughout the house.