3 tots rescued from fire reportedly left alone

updated 8:45 p.m. ET April 28, 2008

WEBSTER, Mass. - Two police officers and a firefighter rescued a toddler and infant twins from a fire that authorities say started after the mother left the children alone while she went shopping. The mother was arrested.

The apartment building's owner, Anne Kuria, made a frantic 911 call Saturday after she smelled smoke.

The 911 dispatcher asked if she saw smoke, and Kuria responded, "Yeah, it's coming from down here ... Oh, my God!" as she arrived at the apartment.

Kuria heard the children crying but could not see them, police Chief Timothy Bent said. Two police officers and a firefighter rushed into the apartment and rescued the children.

"We're fortunate and we're thankful that the children weren't killed," Bent said.

The 3-year-old boy and 2-month-old twins were treated at a hospital for smoke inhalation and put in the custody of the Department of Social Services.

Police said Christina Page, 28, left her children home alone for at least an hour. Food left cooking on the stove caused the fire.

Page was arraigned Monday on three counts each of permitting bodily injury to a child and wanton reckless behavior causing risk to a child. A judge ordered an evaluation to see if Page is competent to stand trial. She is being held without bail.

Page's attorney, John Bowes, did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

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