EVANSTON — The investigation of the fatal Evanston fire that claimed the lives of three people, including two young children, has concluded. The cause of the Dec. 30, 2023, fire was determined to have been from discarded smoking materials that came into contact with combustibles.

The deceased children have formally been identified as 6-year-old Nikolai John-Sanderson and his 3-year-old sister NovaRae John-Sanderson. Both children perished alongside their legal guardian and homeowner, 55-year-old Georgine “Jo” Miller.

The tragic story began unfolding at approximately 5:30 a.m. when emergency crews were dispatched to the residential fire on Worland Circle. A passerby, according to the 911 call, attempted to alert the occupants after noticing “smoke and a glow” coming from the home. However, the structure was too engulfed in flames to attempt rescue efforts.

Fire and EMS crews arrived by 5:43 a.m. and were met with “an aggressive fire attack,” according to the Fire Department’s March 5 press release.  “Crews battled heavy fire and smoke along with subzero temperatures on scene.”

Within half an hour, the fire was marked under control.

The Evanston Fire Department would like to encourage readers to install smoke alarms and update batteries twice a year to ensure good working order.  “We would also like to remind everyone to take caution when discarding smoking material.”