MISSOULA — An apartment fire in Corvallis is now suspected to be arson and a homicide investigation is underway after three people were found dead.
One woman was taken to a hospital with significant burn injuries and injuries resulting from jumping from a second-story window to escape the fire.
The three adult victims of the fatal fire have been positively identified, but their names will not be released until the families have time to contact other family members and friends.
Ravalli County Sheriff's Office investigators are asking for help from the public. Anyone with surveillance or security cameras in the Corvallis and Hamilton areas is asked to protect the recordings and contact the RCSO at 406-363-3033 so investigators can review the content.
(MONDAY, JULY 6) Three people died in an early Monday morning fire at a Corvallis apartment complex. Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton said the fire is being investigated as "suspicious."
The fire hit an apartment complex on Main Street at approximately 2:15 a.m. on Monday.
Holton said there are three confirmed deaths as a result of the fire. It is believed that all of the victims are adults.
Corvallis firefighters responded with mutual aid from Hamilton, Pinesdale, and Victor Fire Departments and were able to contain the fire to one building.
The Ravalli County Sheriff's Office has directed all of its resources to the investigation and called for assistance from the State Fire Marshal and an independent fire investigator, according to Holton.,
The identities of the victims are not being releasef at this time.
The fire had spread to a second apartment building, but those residents were able to be evacuated safely. The Red Cross responded to help the families that were displaced by the fire.
"Tragically, three people lost their lives due to this fire. The Ravalli County Sheriff's Office is thinking about and praying for the victim's families," Holton said. "We have assigned the entire Detective Division to determine the cause of the fire."
Anyone with information regarding the fire is asked to contact Detective Lieutenant Jake Auch at 406-363-3033.
