Five children were reportedly killed in a residential fire in Bullhead City, Arizona, according to a release from the city’s police department.
The fire occurred Saturday evening, December 16, 2023, and claimed the lives of a 13-year-old boy, 5-year-old boy, 4-year-old girl, and a 2-year-old boy, all siblings, as well as an 11-year-old child who was visiting the home.
Several neighbors reportedly attempted rescue efforts, including placing an extension ladder to the upstairs bedroom.
According to the timeline provided by police, a 4:54 p.m., dispatch received a call of a structure fire on Anna Circle. Bullhead City Fire Units arrived on scene five minutes later, and had water on the fire 45 seconds later. Crews established water supply from a hydrant at 5:01 p.m., and had the main body of fire extinguished two minutes later.
A Bullhead City Fire Department employee was the grandfather of the victims.
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.
