CORTLANDT MANOR- State and county fire investigators continue to probe the cause of this week’s fire in Cortlandt Manor that claimed the lives of two Putnam Valley High School students.

17-year-old Alina Toone and her 15-year-old brother Jeremiah perished after suffering burns over more than 50 percent of their bodies while the children’s mother and an older brother escaped the inferno, each suffering non-life-threatening injuries.

On Friday, Lake Mohegan Fire Department Chief Thomas Eade said firefighters and EMS personnel did everything within their power to save the children.

Eade said investigators were focusing on the rear dining room area of the residence: “They are specifically examining a melted extension cord and a melted power strip as part of the investigation,” said the chief.

Eade added: “Right now, our focus remains on supporting the Toone family, supporting our firefighters and EMS personnel, and standing together as a community during this incredibly difficult time. On behalf of the Lake Mohegan Fire District, I want to express our deepest condolences to the Toone family, their friends, classmates, and all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. The loss of two young lives is devastating and has deeply impacted our entire community.”

The chief said that when crews arrived at about 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, they encountered dangerous conditions and entered the home to search for and rescue the victims.

Eade praised the extraordinary efforts of the fire department, EMS personnel, and mutual aid agencies that responded. Crews faced extremely dangerous conditions and entered the home in an aggressive attempt to find and rescue the victims, he said.

Firefighters from Putnam Valley and Continental Village joined other mutual aid companies from northern Westchester in battling the inferno.