3 Killed, 3 Hospitalized In Ramona House Fire; Investigation Underway

Firefighters confirmed that three people have died and three more have been hospitalized after a house fire in Ramona.

According to the ATF, the fire was called in between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. at 340 Keeler St. in Ramona. Firefighters said that three were killed in the fire, and three were taken to the hospital, but they could not provide an update on their condition. The names of the victims have not been released but a representative with the ATF said they are involved because the family is of Native American heritage.

The Washington County Fire Chief says five fire departments responded to the fire, with around 50 people helping to put it out. It took crews around three hours to get the fire under control, which was made more difficult because the house was near the end of a dead-end street, with the closest fire hydrant several blocks away.

Chief Kary Cox says the freezing temps also played a big role in the response, working against crews.

“With the temperatures this morning, a lot of difficulty with water supply, with trucks freezing, the ice on the scene so it made it pretty difficult for firefighters from the very beginning this morning,” said Cox.

Firefighters said that a therapy dog was also rescued at the scene.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the State Fire Marshal's Office and the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

This is a developing story. Refresh the page for updates.