The Sherburne County Sheriff's Office says they believe a father intentionally set a home on fire, which killed him and two young children.
Big Lake police and firefighters responded shortly after 5:30 a.m. Friday to a report of a fire at a home in the 19000 block of Karen Lane.
"Our officers kicked in the front door and tried to make entry into the house, and as soon as the door opened, you could see heavy smoke coming out of the house," said Big Lake Chief of Police, Joel Scharf, "They went around to the back side of the home and started working on trying to get people out of the upper level with ladders."
Crews rescued four children and the father.
"The smoke was so overwhelming," said Big Lake Assistant Fire Chief, Seth Hansen, "It's the worst call we've had, at least in my career with the department."
Two of the children, 1-year-old Spencer Rae Parker and 2-year-old Landon Michael Parker, were taken to the hospital but later died, according to a news release. A GoFundMe has been set up to cover their funeral expenses.
The 36-year-old father, Anthony Parker, was hospitalized as were two other children, ages 9 and 7, according to the news release. The father died Saturday from injuries caused by the fire. Officials say the 9 and 7-year-old are expected to survive.
Investigators believe the father intentionally set the fire.
Officials say the children's mother was not home at the time.
The Big Lake Police Chief, Joel Scharf, released this statement:
This is a tragedy beyond description, please keep the family members and all impacted in your thoughts and prayers!
I want to also say, as the Chief of Police, I could not be prouder of the efforts of our public safety personnel in Big Lake/Sherburne County. I watched on body camera, Officers Nic Prigge, and Tyler Sinclair, along with Assistant Chief Seth Hanson fight in vain to enter the home prior to help arriving, only to be pushed back by smoke. On their arrival, Big Lake Fire and CentraCare Paramedics worked seamlessly to get everyone out of the home.
I want to extend a sincere thank you to all our public safety partners including; Becker Police, Sherburne County Sheriffs Office, Big Lake Fire, CentraCare EMS, Monticello Fire, Sherburne County Dispatch, and Allina Health Dispatch.
This is not something in your career you ever expect to see take place, the senselessness of it is beyond comprehension. This is also an ongoing criminal investigation being lead by members of the Sherburne County Criminal Investigative Division along with the State Fire Marshall’s Office.