BULLHEAD CITY, AZ — Five children have died after a house fire in Bullhead City Saturday evening.
Police say the fire happened at a home in the area of Ramar and Hancock roads at about 5 p.m. in a two-story duplex.
The victims (names not released) have been identified by the Bullhead City Police Department as the following:
- 13-year-old boy
- 5-year-old boy
- 4-year-old girl
- 2-year-old boy
- 11-year-old boy (non-resident of the home)
The fifth child was not a resident of the home but was a relative, officials say.
Authorities say the children were home alone at the time.
Their bodies were located in the same upstairs bedroom of the duplex, according to police.
Neighbors reportedly attempted to rescue the victims before the fire department's arrival by using a ladder.
During the initial investigation officials learned the fire originated in the downstairs area, "most likely making it impossible for the children upstairs to get out of the home."
Police say the children's father told investigators he was gone for about 2.5 hours to buy groceries and Christmas gifts.
"Our community is suffering, and the parents and loved ones of those who perished in this fire Saturday night are grieving," said Bullhead City Police Chief Robert Trebes.
Chief Trebes released a video statement Monday, on what the community is calling the Anna Circle Fire.
"Like you, we want answers too," said Chief Trebes in the video.
"It's just the shockwave," said Mike Conner CEO and President of River Fund Inc. "It's unbelievable."
Conner and his non-profit, River Fund, jumped in to help and quickly started a fundraiser for everyone who was impacted by the Anna Circle Fire.
The Lake Havasu City Fire Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF) are investigating the cause of the fire due to the children's grandfather being an employee of the Bullhead City Fire Department.
On February 28, Bullhead City PD said no evidence was found to suspect arson and an investigation into the cause of the fire is still underway.
ABC15 spoke with Veronica Burlew, who lives in the neighboring duplex.
Burlew says she and her family were home when a neighbor rushed to their home and told them to "get out, get out."
She and her husband rushed to get their family and pets out of their unit. Burlew said no one knew there were five kids on the neighboring side.
“Nobody knew the magnitude, that those kids were in there,” said Burlew.
“It’s affecting us a lot,” added Burlew. “I can’t go a moment without thinking about it without getting a knot in my throat.”
The investigation team is asking that any witnesses who have photos or videos of the fire to please contact the Bullhead City Police Department. Call (928) 763-9200 and ask to speak with detectives.
