Settlement Reached in Fatal Stamford Christmas Fire Lawsuit

A lawsuit filed against a Connecticut city by the family of three little girls who died in a house fire on Christmas morning in 2011 has been settled.

Stamford legal affairs director Kathryn Emmett announced the settlement late Tuesday. Terms were not disclosed, but include a $250,000 donation to fund a scholarship at a a charity or school to be determined.

Jury selection had started and the trial was expected to begin this month.

The fire killed 7-year-old twins Grace and Sarah Badger, 9-year-old Lily Badger, and their maternal grandparents.

The girls' father, Matthew Badger, sued on their behalf, saying the city failed to properly inspect renovations at the home.

He died in February and his brother, Campbell Badger, took over as executor.

The city and Campbell Badger, released a joint statement on the settlement. City officials said, in part:

"The City is sympathetic to the tremendous losses suffered by the Badger family. Understanding the family's concern that the demolition of the house prevented them from being able to conduct their own investigation of the cause of the fire, the City has agreed to address the circumstances under which a fire ravaged home can be demolished."

"I appreciate that the Stamford defendants have agreed to resolve this case. This has been a great ordeal for my brother, for Madonna Badger, and for my entire family," Campbell Badger said in the statement.

The fire was blamed on fireplace ashes left in a mudroom.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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