Father, daughter dead after fire, explosion in Itasca County

Two people are dead after a fire and possible explosion at a home in Itasca County.

According to a release from the Itasca County Sheriff's Office, the sheriff's office received a call regarding a structure fire with a possible explosion Thursday at 7:29 a.m. in the Turtle Lake area.

Itasca County deputies arrived at the 52000 block of Turtle Lake View Path in Bigfork and observed a structure fully engulfed in flames with power lines down and debris spread over a large area of the property.

First responders were initially unable to get to the property until Bigfork Fire Department arrived and started fire suppression efforts.

Deputies received information stating that a single male occupant lived at the residence and had recently been visited by his daughter.

Deputies located the body of a male and female from the home.

The victims were identified as 92-year-old Roy Earl Halverson, of Bigfork, and 62-year-old Christie Lee Kurtz, of Milaca. The sheriff's office confirmed Kurtz is the daughter of Halverson.

The incident is under investigation by the Itasca County Sheriff's Office.