Arson Ruled Out in Fire That Killed NHL Reporter Jessi Pierce, Per Fire Department Preliminary Findings

“… We want to assure the public that we are doing everything we can to find out what led to this tragedy,” said the White Bear Lake Fire Department

A photo of NHL reporter Jessi Pierce.Credit : 

Jessi Pierce/Instagram

Arson was not responsible for the Minnesota house fire that led to the deaths of NHL reporter Jessi Pierce, her three kids and dog.

That’s according to an update on Monday, March 23, from the White Bear Lake Fire Department (WBLFD) in Minnesota, which noted that its preliminary findings “have not led to evidence that the fire was set intentionally.”

The fire department added that the cause of the fire is still under investigation and that it was dedicating “all possible resources” to the investigation.

“… We want to assure the public that we are doing everything we can to find out what led to this tragedy,” the WBLFD said in a statement.

“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,” WBLFD added. “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of those lost this weekend. We understand our community is grieving this loss.”

WBLFD said that the official cause of the fire and further information would be released after the investigation was completed.

The fire involving Pierce and her family occurred on Saturday, March 21. Neighbors reported seeing fire coming through the roof of the house — located on the 2100 block of Richard Avenue in White Bear Lake, Minn. — and noted that there were likely people inside.

WBLFD said it responded to a residential structure fire at the single-family home around 5:25 a.m. local time. When they arrived on the scene, they found a fully involved structure fire.

Firefighters immediately began fire suppression efforts and were able to locate an adult, three children and a dog inside the house. Unfortunately, the fire department confirmed that all were deceased.

“Our hearts ache for all those involved in this tragedy,” Fire Chief Greg Peterson wrote in a news release. “We ask for the opportunity to allow our community to come together and support one another during this difficult time.”

Shortly after the incident, the NHL confirmed that Pierce, a contributor on the league’s website for the past 10 seasons and a co-host of the Bardown Beauties podcast, had died in the fire alongside her three children — Hudson, Cayden and Avery.  Her husband, Mike Hinrichs, was out of town on a work trip when the incident occurred.

“Jessi loved our game and was a valued member of the NHL.com team for a decade. We will miss her terribly,” the NHL said in a statement.

Bill Price, editor-in-chief of NHL.com, described Pierce as “an absolute joy to talk to and work with.” He continued, “…Jessi’s love of her family and hockey was evident in the energy and passion she brought to her work for us. She will be deeply missed.”