‘Preliminary findings’ revealed in Jessi Pierce fatal fire, ruling out arson

The Minnesota fire that killed NHL reporter Jessi Pierce and her three children is not being labeled an arson case, according to the White Bear Lake fire department.

Pierce, 37, and her three children, Cayden, Hudson and Avery, died in a house fire Saturday in White Bear Lake, Minn., and the cause of the fire is still being determined.

“We are in the very early stages of the investigation, and our preliminary findings have not led to the any evidence that the fire was set intentionally,” the department said in a release Monday. “Our priorities are, first and foremost, being present for those directly affected by this tragedy, conducting a thorough investigation, and ensuring our first responders involved in this incident heal alongside the community.”

The fire department said it received a call at 5:26 a.m. Saturday morning from neighbors regarding a fire at a single-family home located on Richard Avenue.

The neighbors noticed fires coming from the roof and told the police they believed people were inside.

“Upon arrival, crews found a fully involved structure fire and immediately began fire suppression efforts,” an initial press release from Sunday stated.