Initial report: White Bear Lake fire that killed a mother and three children not set intentionally

Initial findings in a White Bear Lake house fire that killed a mother and her three children over the weekend are leading investigators to believe the fire was not intentionally set, according to a Facebook post by the White Bear Lake Fire Department (WBLFD) on Monday.

Jessica Hinrichs, who also went by Jessi Pierce in her role as an NHL reporter and podcaster, died along with her three children — sons Hudson, 8, and Cayden, 6, and daughter Avery, 4 — and the family dog on the 2100 block of Richard Avenue on Saturday.

An initial statement by WBLFD said they were called to the home at 5:26 a.m. Saturday after neighbors reported seeing fire coming through the roof and believed the home was occupied. By the time the fire department arrived, the home was fully engulfed. Following fire suppression efforts, the occupants were all found deceased in the home.

The fire department said the investigation into the exact cause of the fire continues and they are “dedicating all possible resources” into the investigation.

Jessi’s husband, Mike Hinrichs, was not home at the time of the fire and was reported to have been out of town on a work trip.

The Minnesota Wild posted a tribute to Jessi on Monday, saying she was “always happy.”

Today we remember our good friend Jessi ❤️ pic.twitter.com/RxXxGaP6BN

— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) March 23, 2026

WBLFD also acknowledged the community for its support following the fire and indicated that responders and staff are coping with the emotional aftermath as well.

WBLFD was assisted by fire departments from Vadnais Heights, Mahtomedi, Maplewood, Oakdale, North St. Paul, and Little Canada, as well as Lakeview EMS, and White Bear Lake Police Department. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal is leading the investigation into the source of the fire.

A GoFundMe account set up to assist Jessi’s husband Mike with funeral and other expenses has exceeded $200,000 in donations as of Tuesday.

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Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.

Crime Watch MN

Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.