The Bullhead City Police Department is continuing its investigation on the fatal fire that occurred on the evening of December 16, and claimed the lives of five children.
According to the Bullhead City Police Department, a 13-year-old boy, 5-year-old boy, 4-year-old girl, and a 2-year-old boy were all siblings who were residents of the home. An 11-year-old boy was a relative and visiting at the time. All five children were located in the same upstairs bedroom of the two-story duplex.
Several neighbors reportedly attempted rescue efforts, including placing an extension ladder to the upstairs bedroom.
The Police Department reported the following timeline:
4:54 p.m. – Dispatch received a call of a structure fire on Anna Circle.
4:59 p.m. – Bullhead City Fire Units arrived on scene.
45 seconds later, there was water on the fire.
5:01 p.m. – Water supply was established from the fire hydrant.
5:03 p.m. – The main body of the fire was extinguished.
Due to the fact that a Bullhead City Fire Department employee was the grandfather of the victims, fire investigators from the Lake Havasu City Fire Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF) were called in to assist the Bullhead City Police Department with the incident.
The initial fire investigation has revealed that the fire originated in the downstairs foyer area, most likely making it impossible for the children in the upstairs bedroom to get out of the residence safely. The fire traveled up the only staircase inside the home, preventing the victims from exiting.
The children’s father reported to investigators that he was gone for approximately 2.5 hours to buy groceries and Christmas gifts.
Lake Havasu City and ATF Fire Investigators are continuing to determine how the fire started. Items of evidentiary value were collected to help determine the cause of the fire. The fire debris analysis will be conducted by ATF chemists and electrical engineers in their lab.
The investigation is ongoing.
Investigators are asking that any witnesses who have photos or videos of the fire to contact the Bullhead City Police Department by calling (928) 763-9200 and ask to speak with detectives.