An orphan sleeps in a rescue center after a fatal fire claimed the lives of six children and one adult on Friday morning.

Yuan's biological daughter called her about the fire. "I ran home and was desperate to dash into the flames, but passed out."

Eighteen homeless children and young people were staying with her at the time of the accident. Most of them have congenital diseases ranging from infantile paralysis and albinism to heart disease. Some are mentally handicapped.

The 10 who were not harmed in the fire have been relocated to a welfare home in Kaifeng.

Yuan refuted widespread speculation that she had unlawfully profited in under-the-table adoption deals. "Shoot me if you have evidence that I sold any children."

She began taking in homeless children, including orphans and abandoned children, in the 1980s but never went through formal adoption procedures.

She raised at least 100 children with the money she earned by selling homemade pancakes and other snacks, allowances granted by the government to support the children and some donations from individuals.

"They are all like my own children and I miss them terribly," Yuan said through tears.

"Do you think I can see a child die from cold and hunger out there in the street?" she said when a Xinhua reporter asked if she would continue her charity work. "I will certainly give a hand as long as I'm still alive."