The fire that killed three young brothers in Herkimer began with an electrical problem in the basement, according to an update from the fire chief in the Herkimer County village.

Seven-year-old Mikey DeCarlis, six-year-old Richie, and one-year-old Jackson all died from smoke inhalation and intense heat, with their autopsies, completed Sunday in Albany, listing asphyxia as the cause of death.

According to the fire chief, investigators with the Office of Fire Prevention and Control made the preliminary determination of "accidental electrical" and said the fire quickly spread throughout the home on East Steele Street.

Investigators say their parents tried to save the boys, but the flames were too much.

The boys are mourned by their father, two mothers, another brother, in addition to extended family members and the Herkimer County community at large.