State Fire Marshal announces preliminary investigation findings six months after deadly White Bear Lake fire

Jessi Hinrichs, her children, Hudson, Cayden and Avery, and their family dog died in the March 21, 2026, fire. 

“This was an absolute tragedy, and six months later, our thoughts remain with the family’s loved ones, their friends, their neighbors and the broader community,” said White Bear Lake Fire Chief Greg Peterson.  

Investigators determined the fire originated in a room being used as an office. Preliminary findings show the fire was determined to be accidental and electrical in nature, caused by overheating electrical equipment in that office. 

Extensive fire damage and a roof collapse prevented investigators from verifying the exact location of all smoke alarms. Through the investigation and interviews, they determined there was a smoke alarm near the bedrooms and likely another near the basement stairs. 

Investigators also used fire and smoke modeling software to evaluate how quickly conditions likely changed inside the home. 

The modeling indicated the smoke alarm closest to the bedrooms would have activated approximately four minutes after the fire began. About five minutes after the fire started, conditions along the primary escape path would have become almost impossible to navigate. The home was built in 1952 and was typical of residential construction from that era, including having fewer electrical outlets than homes built today and smoke alarms that were not interconnected. 

State Fire Marshal Dan Krier was at the scene and said determining what happened is an important part of the responsibility of fire investigators, but it does not change the profound loss experienced by the family and community. 

“There is no investigation finding that can change the loss this family is living with,” Krier said. “But we hope this investigation can help bring some understanding to what happened and remind all of us how quickly a residential fire can develop. Sometimes there may be very little time to react, which is why every second matters.” 

SFM investigators worked closely with the Ramsey County Fire Investigation Team and White Bear Lake fire marshal throughout the investigation. 

• Practice electrical safety: Follow manufacturers’ guidelines, plug devices directly into wall outlets when possible, regularly check cords and devices for damage or overheating, and charge devices on hard, stable surfaces. 

• Check smoke alarms: Have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of the home and inside each sleeping room. Interconnected alarms are recommended. Test alarms regularly and replace them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. 

• Create and practice a home escape plan: Identify two ways out of every sleeping room when possible, choose an outdoor meeting place and make sure everyone in the household knows the plan. Include pets in the plan if it is safe to do so. 

The goal is to have layers of protection in place before a fire happens: working smoke alarms, safe electrical practices, multiple ways out and a practiced escape plan. 

Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Amanda Swenson said the investigation provides important lessons for every Minnesota household. 

“Simple preparations — working smoke alarms, safe electrical practices and a practiced home escape plan — can provide critical layers of protection and give people more time to recognize a fire and get out safely,” Swenson said. 

The State Fire Marshal division and White Bear Lake Fire Department announced the preliminary investigation findings at a Sept. 24 news conference at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety in St. Paul.

Editor’s Note: A written statement has been provided on behalf of Mike Hinrichs, husband and father of the victims.