Members of the public attempted to rescue a seven-year-old girl and her aunt from a house fire in Grangetown, near Middlesbrough, an inquest heard. Natalie McDonald, 34, and her niece Valentina Foster died in the blaze on Birchington Avenue in the early hours of 26 August.
Teesside coroner Paul Appleton opened separate inquests into their deaths, stating the cause of death for both was the effects of fire. He suspended further hearings as criminal proceedings have begun.
Cleveland Fire Brigade was called to the fire on 26 August following reports that people were believed to be trapped. Valentina was recovered from the property and later pronounced deceased at James Cook University Hospital, while Ms McDonald died at the scene.
Jaden Wright, 23, has appeared at Teesside Crown Court charged with two counts of murder, as well as offences related to other people injured in the fire. A trial date has been set for 14 April 2027.