'It was loud and just really scary': Neighbour describes harrowing escape

Kylie Schlotterwas getting ready to go to a friend's wedding whenshe noticed flames emerging from her neighbour's home across the street. She knew there was a large family that lived inside.

"We saw two kids climb out through the window onto the roof," she said."Before we knew it, there werepolice cars coming, and the flames started to grow in a matter of seconds."

Five children managed to escape theirPort Moody home as the flames grew behind them.Their mother was taken to the hospital with severe burnsbut couldn't be saved.

Their father has beencharged withsecond-degree murder and two counts of arson. His identity and the details of the case are protected under a publication ban.

'Like abig boom'

The five children perched on the rooftopwere rescued byapasserby who grabbed a ladder, leading them down one-by-one. Moments later, thewindows started to blow out as more flames erupted, according to Schlotter.

"It was loud and just really scary," she said. "It was just loud like a big boom and some glass shattering. It was kind of shocking."

The children, aging from five to 18, were immediately rushed to hospital and treated for minor burns and smoke inhalation, according to theIntegrated Homicide Investigation Team.

IHITwas still combing through the crime scene onTuesdaywith the help of Port Moody Fire Rescue and local police.

'Heartbroken for those kids'

The family's tenants who lived downstairs are still trying to make sense of the tragedy.

"I'm completely shocked," saidNikkiTrampus, 23, who works as a hairstylist."I'm heartbroken for those kids."

Trampus and her sister Vanessa, 19,weren't home when the fire started, but they lost a lot oftheir belongings. Police escorted them into the house Tuesday to collect a few plastic bags filled with clothes.

"I get emotional not when I'm thinking about my stuff I get emotional when I think about the kids," she said.

The sisters had lived in the suite for just over a year and are now staying on friends' couches until they find a new place to live.

Trampusnever noticed anything alarming about the family upstairs.

"They were really nice people," she said. "I never heard anything ...Inever heard crying like someone was getting hurt, or anything upstairs like anyone was getting hurt."

The fatherremains in custody.Anyone with photos or videos on their devices is asked tocontact IHIT at 1-877-551-4448.

With files from Rafferty Baker