By WILLIAM KATES, Associated Press Writer

RICHLAND, N.Y. (AP) — A fast-moving house fire killed eight people, including four young brothers, despite the homeowner's frantic attempts to save them, authorities and a witness said.

Only a few blackened fragments of walls remained standing after the white-hot fire — possibly caused by a wood stove — engulfed the aging two-story frame home early Sunday in this upstate community 37 miles north of Syracuse.

Police said Robin Dillenbeck, 26, and her four sons, ranging in age from 6 months to 10 years, were killed, along with Dillenbeck's 19-year-old boyfriend, Dale Lance Jr.; Lance's mother, Michelle Lance, 41; and her boyfriend, David Muir, 33.

The owner of the home and lone survivor was identified as Anthony DeRoose, 42. Authorities could not immediately explain DeRoose's relationship to the victims, but a neighbor, James Riordan, said he tried desperately to rescue the others.

"He wanted to go back in.