2 children suffered life-threatening injuries in Winton Hills fire

Two children have suffered life-threatening injuries and another has been hospitalized following a fire at a Winton Hills apartment Thursday morning, Cincinnati fire officials reported.

Firefighters responded to a two-story townhouse in the 600 block of Strand Lane just after 5:30 a.m. and found heavy fire blowing out the first-floor windows, according to a release from the department.

Officials said a woman and two children had already escaped the blaze and told the first responders two more children were inside on the second floor.

Firefighters attacked the blaze on the first floor while sending others to find the children, according to the statement.

"Both children were found and quickly removed from the structure," officials said. "A total of 3 children were transported to Children's Hospital, 2 with life-threatening injuries."

The fire was knocked down and contained to the apartment where it started. An investigation is underway to determine the cause.

"The CFD would like to remind the public of the importance of keeping bedroom doors closed at night and ensure there are working smoke detectors on every floor of your residence," officials said.