Three Lives Tragically Lost in Early Morning Blaze

Updated 9:01 p.m.

The Fallon/Churchill Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire in a residential area near US-50, west of US-95, outside of Fallon, at approximately 2:19 a.m. on Thursday, June 15.

A report was made of a fire in a double-wide manufactured home at 24333 Reno Highway, Space 1, where four occupants were potentially trapped inside. Fallon/Churchill VFD was on the scene within three minutes of the fire page, according to Fire Chief Jared Dooley. When the firefighters arrived, the home was fully involved, with three people confirmed still inside. “The fire department made entry and removed the three victims from the rear of the home, where they were delivered to Banner EMTs,” said Dooley.

The home was further searched for more occupants. Dooley explained, “Upon finding no other occupants, the fire department extinguished the blaze and overhauled the premises to completely extinguish the fire.” According to NHP, the fire was suppressed at 2:49 a.m.

Sheriff Richard Hickox released information late on Thursday that the Churchill County Sheriff’s Office received a call shortly after 2 a.m. from an adult female who reported that her house was on fire and four people were trapped inside. Upon arrival, firefighters located three people inside the burnt residence. They were transported to Banner Churchill Community Hospital and later pronounced deceased (ages 42, 13, and 9). The fourth occupant made it outside, surviving the blaze.

The Nevada State Fire Marshal Investigation Team arrived on the scene at approximately 3:54 a.m. The department response for the structure fire included 23 firefighters manning two fire engines, one fire truck, a water tender, a rapid response Type 6, and two command vehicles. 

According to Hickox, the Nevada State Fire Marshall’s Office is investigating the fire, and the Sheriff’s Office is handling the death investigation. Names are not being released at this time. “Please keep the surviving family members and their friends in your thoughts and prayers,” said Sheriff Hickox.