Fire swept through a Northside home Sunday morning, killing a woman whose 5-year-old son died in October after being attacked by a family pet, Cincinnati fire and police officials said.

        The Cincinnati homicide unit is investigating the death of Kathy Phillips, 40, whose body was found in a hallway at her home in the 1500 block of Lingo Street.

        A Hamilton County Coroner's office employee said Ms. Phillips' death appeared to be consistent with fire but could not provide any details from the autopsy performed Sunday.

        Ms. Phillips was the only resident home at the time of the 3:35 a.m. fire. She apparently lived in the home with her daughter.

        Fire officials estimated damage to the building at $70,000.

        Ms. Phillips was the mother of 5-year-old Oberen “Obie” Burgin, who was killed by a dog-wolf hybrid pet in October at his grandmother's home in Miami Township, Hamilton County.

        A Northside neighbor called the fire department early Sunday after a citizen noticed the fire and knocked on a door adjacent to Ms. Phillip's home, said Sgt. Anthony Carter of the Cincinnati homicide unit.

        When firefighters arrived, the first floor — where the fire is thought to have start ed — was engulfed in flames and smoke was pouring from first- and second-floor windows.

        Anyone with information about the fire or Ms. Phillips' death is asked to call the homicide unit at (513) 352-3542 or Crimestoppers at 352-3040.Callers may remain anonymous and receive money for their information.

What's In & What's Out
Peace Bell rings in its second new year
Portune vows to get a grip on county spending
14 frozen days equal icy record
Hoff era comes to a close at Xavier
Redistricting will help Chabot
People, issues to watch in 2001
Era of alignment for number wonks
Cincinnati has plenty of No. 1's
Ohio Assembly has fresh faces, new priorities
Ky. Assembly will make history
Legislature's first order of business - politics
Blood center promotes replacement drives
Local Digest
Monument restored, ready for another century
Northside woman dies in blaze at residence
Obituary: Sister Mary Jacinta Shay
Schools step up teacher recruiting
Senior housing project set to go
You asked for it