An investigative team with the Nebraska State Fire Marshal's Office says a living room fireplace is what started a fire that killed all six members of the Speer family on October 20th. Mike and Michelle Speer, with their four children all died in the blaze. A family member said firefighters found each of their bodies in beds.
Initial autopsy reports suggest all six people died from smoke inhalation.
Investigators say embers or ash from the living room fireplace ignited carpet and other furnishings in the living room.
"Consequently, the smoke produced from the fire, filled the house and led to the death of all six occupants," according to the report released by the state fire marshal.
The report says exterior walls and portions of the home's roof collapsed before crews arrived.