Family speaks out following deadly San Juan Capistrano fire

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (KABC) -- Lilia and Dora Sanchez fought back tears while talking about their sister, 20-year-old Maricela Sanchez, who died Wednesday night from major injuries she suffered during a condominium fire in San Juan Capistrano.

"She really loved them, so it doesn't surprise us that she did everything she could to try and save them," said Lilia Sanchez.

Maricela Sanchez's 3-year-old son, Jaiden Liborio, died Tuesday from similar injuries. Her 2-year-old son, Iker, remains in critical condition.

"She just always wanted to see them happy, and try to do everything for them and give them everything," said Lilia Sanchez.

On Thursday, authorities released the 911 tapes of people reporting the Tuesday morning fire.

"The apartment is full on flames. I see people in the apartment right next to it that are still inside," the caller says.

"There's a bunch of families that live in the house. They're still trying to get the occupants out," another calls says.

Fire investigators determined that a child playing with a lighter sparked the blaze.

The family says Maricela Sanchez's 47-year-old mother-in-law remains in critical condition after jumping out of the burning home.

Fire officials say 17 people shared the four-bedroom unit, and there were no smoke alarms.

"Please, (we) ask everybody to not make any assumptions or judge anything. Because they are not at fault," Dora Sanchez said.

While 2-year-old Iker fights to survive, Lilia and Dora Sanchez continue to mourn the death of their beloved sister and nephew.

"All their memories will always be with us, and all the times they made us happy," said Lilia Sanchez. "We just want to remember that."

The UC Irvine burn center is accepting contributions to help the family with funeral expenses. You can send contributions to:

UC Irvine Burn Survivor Fund - Sanchez Family

101 The City Drive South Route 14

Orange, CA 92868

Please make checks payable to UC Regents. You can also donate at gofundme.com/ucirvineburn.