Agreement reached in Warwick fatal fire

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) - Efforts to launch a private investigation into a Warwick house fire that killed five people earlier this month will be allowed to move forward.

The family of Tayla Lackey, one of the fire victims, has asked the court to allow a private investigator to conduct an independent probe into the fire.

Under an agreement reached during a conference at Kent County Courthouse Thursday, a private fire investigator will be allowed to conduct depositions of fire officials and other investigators once the state finishes its investigation, which is expected in about two weeks. The inspector will also get the opportunity to tour the home Monday.

The home was the scene of the deadliest fire in Rhode Island since the Station Nightclub fire in 2003. Lackey, Nick Jillson, Dan Janik, his fiancee, Amanda Villeneuve and their 7-month old daughter, Annabelle, were killed when the house caught fire Feb. 6.

Thursday's conference was attended by lawyers representing Donald and Rhonda Lackey, the homeowner, the city of Warwick and the state.

As part of the agreement, public records in the case must be delivered to the court and sealed so Judge Daniel A. Procaccini can review them.

The judge said the process will go one step at a time.

The official cause of fire has not yet been determined, but investigators do not believe it is suspicious.