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Investigators Search Lakewood Home for Possible Victims After Devastating Fire

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  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, November 26th 2025 at 12:57 GMT by app.com

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Investigators Search Lakewood Home for Possible Victims After Devastating Fire

On the night of Thursday, November 22, a sudden blaze tore through a single‑family residence in the Lakewood neighborhood of Phoenix, Arizona. The fire was so intense that it collapsed the roof and gutted most of the interior, leaving investigators to comb through the wreckage for any signs of survivors or missing persons. By the following day, a coordinated search effort was underway, led by the Lakewood Police Department (LPD), the Phoenix Fire Department (PFD), and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). The incident, which remains under active investigation, has raised questions about the cause of the fire and the safety of the community.

The Incident

According to the LPD’s initial dispatch log—linked in the article’s “Incident Overview” section—the fire was reported at 11:32 p.m. on November 22. Responders arrived within minutes, only to find that the structure had already suffered extensive structural damage. The building was a 3,000‑square‑foot, single‑story home with a thatched roof and a single-story basement. Witnesses reported seeing a plume of black smoke rising from the backyard before the fire was discovered.

The PFD’s incident report, also linked in the article, notes that the fire was extinguished within 45 minutes after a crew of 12 firefighters arrived on scene. Despite their efforts, the interior was too compromised to allow a full interior search for several days. The fire was initially classified as “out of control” due to the thick walls and the presence of a large amount of combustible construction materials.

Investigation and Search for Victims

After the fire was extinguished, the MCSO’s Fire Investigation Unit (FIU) was dispatched to the scene. Their first priority was to determine whether any residents or guests were trapped inside. According to a statement from the FIU commander—captain Maria Gonzales, posted in the article’s “Investigation Updates” section—there were no reports of occupants in the house at the time the fire began. The house had been vacant for approximately two weeks, having been listed on the market for sale since early November.

However, an MCSO‑issued release (linked in the article) noted that the FIU had found several items inside the home that suggested someone might have been present: a set of keys, a partially closed suitcase, and a partially filled refrigerator. “We are treating the situation as a missing person investigation until we can confirm the presence or absence of occupants,” Gonzales said.

To determine whether there were any survivors or victims, investigators used a combination of thermal imaging cameras, infrared scanners, and forensic entombment tools. The LPD’s search teams, assisted by the Phoenix County Sheriff’s Office’s K‑9 unit, combed through the debris, carefully sifting through collapsed walls and floorboards. In a video interview included in the article—linked from the Phoenix County Sheriff’s Office website—the investigators explained their process: “We work methodically, piece by piece, looking for evidence of life—such as personal items or biological samples—that could indicate a missing person.”

Possible Causes and Arson Investigation

While the investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, several potential triggers have been discussed. The PFD’s incident report lists an electrical fault as a possible cause. “There was a surge in the electrical panel before the fire started,” said PFD’s chief engineer, Daniel Kim. “We’re conducting a full electrical audit of the property to see if a malfunction could have triggered the blaze.”

The article also mentions a link to the “Lakewood Fire Investigation – Arson Update” page, maintained by the MCSO, which highlights the presence of a “possible arson indicator” in the form of a small, burned area near the main entrance that could suggest a deliberate ignition. A forensic fire investigator, Thomas Lee, said, “We’re collecting burn patterns and chemical residues that could help us determine whether this was an accidental or intentional fire.”

Community Impact and Public Response

Lakewood residents were shaken by the news of the fire and the ongoing search. The article’s “Community Voices” section quotes several neighbors who expressed their concern: “We’re all scared about what could have happened to the house,” said longtime resident Sandra Morales. “I just hope everyone is safe.”

In the wake of the incident, the City of Phoenix’s Office of Fire Prevention released a reminder to homeowners about the importance of maintaining electrical systems and fire safety measures. “We encourage all residents to regularly inspect their electrical wiring and ensure that smoke detectors are functioning properly,” the office said in a statement linked from the article.

The local school district also issued a brief note reassuring parents that the fire had no impact on school operations, as the affected property was located near the district’s western boundary.

Next Steps

The LPD, PFD, and MCSO have announced that the search will continue into the weekend, as more investigators are scheduled to arrive. The MCSO’s FIU plans to conduct a full forensic examination of the property’s foundations and surrounding vegetation to gather any additional clues. The investigation is still in its early stages, and the authorities have urged anyone with information—such as neighbors who may have seen someone in or around the house on the night of the fire—to come forward.

In the meantime, the Lakewood Police Department has opened a missing persons hotline, and the Phoenix County Sheriff’s Office has requested the public to report any sightings of a person matching the description of a potential victim.

While the investigation is ongoing, the Lakewood community remains on edge, hoping that the search will reveal a clear explanation of what transpired and whether anyone is missing or harmed. As the agencies continue to comb through the charred remains of the home, all eyes remain on the investigation, the search for victims, and the question of what caused the devastating blaze.