Initial reports from the Denver Fire Department and Denver Police Department state that arson is suspected.
The Denver Fire Department responded to a call from a police officer around 2:40 a.m. on Wednesday morning at 5312 N. Truckee Street after reports of smoke. Several neighbors also called 911 to report a fire.
Five people were killed in the fire—including two children and three adults. The identities of the victims have not been released yet.
#DenverFireDepartment responded to 5312 N. Truckee & found a heavily involved fire. Unfortunately 5 fatalities were found in the home. Fire Investigators are working to determine cause with @DenverPolice.
A Press Conference is scheduled at 7am at that address @CityofDenver pic.twitter.com/Vhsf2rzCWQ— Denver Fire Dept. (@Denver_Fire) August 5, 2020
Various sources are saying that three others were in the house at the time, but they were able to escape by “jumping from the second story.”
According to reports from both the police and fire departments, this house fire is being investigated by authorities as arson, as well as a homicide.
“Because people did die in this fire, and we have indications through some evidence that it was arson, it will be investigated as a joint investigation with the fire department as a homicide,” said Denver Police Division Chief Joe Montoya.
#DenverFireDepartment responded to 5312 N. Truckee & found a heavily involved fire. Unfortunately 5 fatalities were found in the home. Fire Investigators are working to determine cause with @DenverPolice.
A Press Conference is scheduled at 7am at that address @CityofDenver pic.twitter.com/Vhsf2rzCWQ— Denver Fire Dept. (@Denver_Fire) August 5, 2020
*This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is released.