Verde Village fire claims three lives

Sedona AZ (February 25, 2013) – Since the initial investigation of the February 23, 2013, structure fire in Verde Village, an additional body has been discovered inside the same mobile home where two bodies were found earlier. Detectives are releasing the names of two of the three victims, 72-year-old Ernest Houck, and his sister, 71-year-old Judy Huntington. The third victim’s identity will be announced once family notification has been completed.

The Yavapai County Medical Examiner has indicated that the cause of death for all three victims was smoke inhalation and thermal injury. Detectives and fire investigators continue working to determine the cause of the fire.

At about 12:40 a.m. on February 23, fire crews from the Verde Valley Fire District and Cottonwood Fire Department were dispatched to 2340 Warriors Run, Cottonwood, Arizona, after receiving notice of a house on fire.

When crews arrived on scene, two mobile homes were on fire, one engulfed in smoke and flames. Additional crews from the Clarkdale and Sedona Fire Districts were dispatched to assist, and an engine from Camp Verde was relocated to Verde Valley Fire Station 31 to handle any additional calls. Several ambulances and the Rehabilitation Unit from Verde Valley Ambulance responded to the scene as well.

Crews took a defensive response to prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring structures.

One mobile home was found to be vacant. Once the crews had the fire under control, it was discovered that there were two bodies inside the second mobile home.

Crews worked until the early morning hours on Saturday to make sure the fire was completely out before investigators from the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office could move in and begin an investigation. The cause of the fire is still undetermined.

For information relating to the investigation, contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260.

For the best Sedona Arizona News and Views? Subscribe to www.SedonaEye.com today.