Five children—four of them siblings—were killed after a fire broke out at a Bullhead City home in northwestern Arizona over the weekend.
Investigators told local media on Tuesday (December 19) that the father of the children was out Christmas and grocery shopping when the fire happened.
The cause of the blaze remains unknown and investigations continue. However, officials said the flames and smoke traveled up the only staircase inside the home, preventing the victims from escaping.
The man eventually returned home and assisted investigators in the incident. It was revealed that the man was gone for about 2.5 hours.
The man and the children aged between 4 and 13 are yet to be identified.
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ATF Assists in Investigation
The Associated Press reported that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) has been helping local police and fire investigators to determine the cause of the fire, particularly in analyzing the debris collected from the fire scene.
Authorities have asked witnesses who have photos or videos of the fire to contact the Bullhead City Police Department.
In a statement on Tuesday, Bullhead Mayor Steve D'Amico said that the close-knit community has been shaken by the tragedy.
"I have seen the flowers, the stuffed animals, and the candles lining the chainlink fence in front of the home," he said.
A memorial vigil for the children would be scheduled for Wednesday night (December 20) at a nearby park. As of Tuesday, friends of the families raised more than $11,000 to help with the funeral expenses.
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