Investigation into the White Bear Lake Fire: Unusual Details Emerge

Authorities have confirmed no signs of foul play in the fire that killed Jessi Pierce and three children. However, the investigation remains intense as experts have discovered an unusual ignition point, promising a new turning point in the case.

No evidence of arson found in White Bear Lake fire that killed Jessi Pierce and 3 children

Jessi Pierce, with her husband Mike Hinrichs and their children, from left, Cayden, Hudson and Avery. (Courtesy of GoFundMe.com) (Courtesy of GoFundMe.com)
The White Bear Lake fire that killed beloved Minnesota hockey beat writer Jessi Pierce and her young children has not been found to have been started intentionally, according to preliminary details provided by investigators.

On Monday night, the White Bear Lake Fire Department released more information about Saturday’s blaze, which killed Pierce, 38, and her children, ages 4, 6 and 8. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

“Our priorities are, first and foremost, being present for those directly affected by this tragedy, conducting a thorough investigation, and ensuring our first responders involved in this incident heal alongside the community,” the Fire Department said in the release.

Fire officials said four people — including three children — were found dead inside a home early Saturday, March 21, in the 2100 block of Richard Avenue.

Neighbor Julie Andrus, who said she’s lived next to the Pierces for seven years, described the family as “so nice,” adding that their children were always in the yard.

She said the fire was unbelievable: “We were sleeping. By the time the cops woke us, it was like a tornado of smoke.”

Pierce, who also went by Jessica Hinrichs, spent more than a decade covering the NHL, most notably as a reporter focused on the Wild. She wrote for NHL.com and contributed to local outlets, including SKOR North, where she hosted and appeared on hockey-focused podcasts.

Her reporting made her a familiar voice in Minnesota, where she built relationships across locker rooms, front offices and fan communities. Colleagues said she brought energy and openness to a beat that often depends on trust and access.

“Jessi was the most vibrant person — the life of the party, always with a smile,” veteran hockey writer Michael Russo wrote on X. “I have literally never met anybody who had a way of being everybody’s friend.”

The NHL called Pierce “a valued member of the NHL.com team for a decade,” adding that “Jessi loved our game. … We will miss her terribly.”

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“Jessi’s love of her family and hockey was evident in the energy and passion she brought to her work for us,” the NHL said in a statement

Jessi Pierce and her children; Minnesota house fire.Credit : 

Jessi Pierce/X

NEED TO KNOW

Jessi Pierce, a beloved NHL reporter, died in a Minnesota house fire alongside her three kids and their dog
Firefighters responded to a residential structure fire at a single-family home on March 21 after a neighbor saw fire coming from the roof of the house
“Jessi was a kind, compassionate person who cared deeply about her family and those around her,” the Minnesota Wild said in a statement after Pierce’s death

Jessi Pierce, a beloved NHL reporter, and her three children died in a house fire in Minnesota.

On Saturday, March 21, firefighters responded to a residential structure fire at a single-family home located on the 2100 block of Richard Avenue at around 5:25 a.m. local time, according to the White Bear Lake Fire Department.

After neighbors reported seeing fire coming through the roof of the house, noting that there were likely people inside, crews found a fully involved structure fire upon arrival.

Firefighters immediately began fire suppression efforts and were able to locate an adult, three children and a dog inside the house. Unfortunately, the White Bear Lake Fire Department confirmed that all were deceased.

Jessi Pierce.Jessi Pierce/X

“Our hearts ache for all those involved in this tragedy,” Fire Chief Greg Peterson wrote in a news release. “We ask for the opportunity to allow our community to come together and support one another during this difficult time.”

Shortly after the incident, the NHL confirmed that Pierce, who was a contributor to NHL.com for the past 10 seasons, as well as a co-host of the Bardown Beauties podcast, had died in the fire alongside her three children — Hudson, Cayden and Avery.

“The entire National Hockey League family sends our prayers and deepest condolences to the Pierce family on the passing of Jessi Pierce and her three young children,” the NHL said in a statement. “Jessi loved our game and was a valued member of the NHL.com team for a decade. We will miss her terribly.”

Bill Price, editor-in-chief of NHL.com, also remembered Pierce as “an absolute joy to talk to and work with.”

Jessi Pierce’s kids.Jessi Pierce/X

“The entire NHL.com team is devastated and heartbroken by the loss of Jessi and her children,” he said. “Jessi’s love of her family and hockey was evident in the energy and passion she brought to her work for us. She will be deeply missed.”

After graduating from Iowa State University, the late journalist pursued her dream of becoming an NHL writer by working for the Minnesota Wild and going on to have her work featured in countless publications, including USA Hockey, The Athletic and the Minnesota Hockey Journal.

“The Minnesota Wild organization is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Jessi Pierce and her children,” the Wild said in a statement. “Jessi was a kind, compassionate person who cared deeply about her family and those around her. She served as a dedicated ambassador for the game of hockey during her time covering the Wild and the NHL.”

Michael Russo, a reporter for The Athletic, paid tribute to Pierce on social media while sending condolences to her husband, Mike.

“Jessi Pierce (Hinrichs) was the most vibrant person — the life of the party, always with a smile on her face, always bringing a passion to every article and podcast and interview she did,” he wrote on X. “Jessi simply loved covering the Wild and hockey throughout Minnesota and had a way of brightening everyone’s day with her upbeat, bubbly personality. I have literally NEVER met anybody that had a way of being EVERYBODY’s friend.”

“Life can be unbearably unfair sometimes, and it’s impossible to make sense of this tragedy,” Russo continued. “A lot of tears were shed at the arena yesterday. We, in the Wild media and inside the Wild, will miss seeing Jessi every day, laughing with her every day. The press box and press room won’t be the same without her.”