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B&B Where 6 Died In Fire Not Licensed, Inspected

NEW ULM, Minn. (AP) -- The bed and breakfast house that caught fire, killing six people in New Ulm, had not been recently inspected and was not licensed for guests.

New Ulm fire marshal Ellwood Zabel says he didn't do an annual inspection of the Bohemian Bed and Breakfast because the owner said it would not be used for guests. City records show owner Roberta McCrea did not apply for a license to use the house for lodging in 2011.

Authorities have not identified the victims of the fire Saturday, but family members say McCrea, her 15-year-old daughter, Abby, and 3-year-old daughter, Savannah, were among the victims. Jake Bergman says his parents, Joe and Dian Bergman of Centuria, Wis., also died in the fire.

He said his parents would have been married 38 years next month.

Bergman said his parents were visiting with their longtime friends, Andy and Sandy Uhing of rural Hartington, Neb. at the B&B. The Uhing's son, Wilfred, says his dad died in the fire while his mother escaped.

Bergman says his family lived in Nebraska before moving to Wisconsin about 20 years ago. His parents farmed near Centuria in Polk County and also worked off the farm. He says his parents were strict, but fair in raising him and his brother and sister.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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