PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — The Portsmouth Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services Fire Marshal’s Office has determined the cause fire of the fire that claimed the lives of a mother and her two children.

Officials say the fire was started by a candle that ignited nearby window curtains and noted that there were no smoke detectors inside the home.

“We express our deepest sympathies and prayers for their family and the Portsmouth community,” Portmouth Fire Rescue stated in a release.

Family members are still reeling from the loss of Aria Williams, 37, and her two young children 4-year-old Lamar White Jr. and 2-year-old Ellay White.

The Portsmouth Fire Department responded to an active fire at their home on Neville Street on March 8.

Shefford Williams described the grief felt by his family.

“It’s just a very trying time for us as a family,” Williams said. “We’re at a loss for words at this moment, but we’ll recover. We’ll definitely recover. God is going to strengthen us and we’re going to get through this as a family.”

For information related to Home Fire Safety Escape Planning and/or a free smoke detector, please contact Portsmouth Fire Rescue, and Emergency Services at 757-393-8765 or email Captain Charisse Orton at ortonc@portsmouthva.gov.

The family has created a GoFundMe account to help them in this time of unimaginable tragedy. Click this link if you would like to contribute.