COLONIE – Improper disposal of smoking materials on the front porch started the fire that killed three family members and wounded two people Jan. 27 on Locust Park in Colonie, the town said in a statement on Thursday. 

An investigation into the incident concluded a resulting fire spread quickly due to an accumulation of combustible and flammable materials on the porch, and a lack of working smoke detectors and hoarding conditions in the home hindered occupants from escaping, authorities said.

The fire started just before 8 p.m., claiming the lives of Timothy Ryan, 42, his wife, Katelyn Ryan, 33, and her mother, Lynne Lyons, 72, according to police.

Members of the Colonie Village Fire Department, Colonie Police and EMS were among those who responded to the blaze.