MISSOULA — More information has been released about an arson investigation in Corvallis after three people died in a fire.
In a news release on Wednesday, the Ravalli County Sheriff's Office says three people - a 27-year-old woman, a 32-year-old man, and a 53-year-old man - died in the fire. Officials have not yet released the names of the victims.
A 57-year-old woman is still hospitalized after sustained significant burn and trauma injuries from jumping out a second-story window.
The investigation continues as search warrants and and samples from the fire scene have been submitted and processed - but investigators are still asking that anyone with information to contact them as they say any suspicious behavior or observations of potential suspect activity could be crucial.
Anyone with information regarding the fire is asked to contact Detective Lieutenant Jake Auch at 406-363-3033.
(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 released 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.
