Authorities have released the names of the 12 victims who died in the Prospect Avenue apartment fire. 

The victims are Emmanuel Mensah, 28; Solomon Donkor, 54; Hannah Donkor, 17; Willam Donkor; Gabriel Yaw Sarkookie, 48; Shantay Young, 19; Karen Francis, 37; Kylie Francis, 2; Justice Opuku, 54; Charmela Francis, 7; Maria Batiz, 58; and Amora Batiz, who was 7 months old. 

Four people are still fighting for their lives in area hospitals.

According to investigators, the fire was sparked by a toddler playing with the knowbs on a stove.  That boy's mother, in a panic to get her family out safely, made the split-second decision to leave her apartment door open, which allowed the fire to spread rapidly through the building. 

Fire officials said the stairwell acted like a chimney, feeding flames through the building.

It is New York City's deadliest residential fire in decades, according to the FDNY.