Eight found dead in Michigan house fire, including six children; authorities suspect intentional blaze

Fire breaks out and victims discovered

Firefighters were first called to the area around 8:30 a.m. on Friday after reports of a smoke smell, but no fire was immediately located. Hours later, around noon, emergency crews returned to the same home after white smoke was reported. Once inside, they found the bodies of eight people. Captain Jake Sparks of the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office described the scene as complicated and complex.

It's a complicated scene, a complex scene.

Victims: two adults, six children

All eight victims are believed to have lived in the house and belonged to the same family. The six children ranged in age from 5 to 15 years old, while the two adults were between 40 and 50. Authorities have not yet fully identified everyone, and official causes of death remain undetermined. Some of the victims had gunshot wounds, though Sparks did not specify how many.

The investigation remains active.

Suspicious circumstances

Sparks called the fire suspicious and said there is reason to believe it was intentionally set. Arson investigators from the Michigan State Police were called to the scene. No external suspects are being sought; one theory the investigators are considering is a murder-suicide.

There's reason to believe it was intentionally set.

Next steps

With the investigation still in its early stages, authorities are continuing to identify the dead and determine exact causes of death. All those who lived in the home appear to be accounted for, according to Sparks.