Billings firefighters faced a fully involved home, no hydrants and limited access as crews responded to a shooting that killed multiple adults and children

BILLINGS, Mont. — Multiple adults and children were killed in a shooting at a Billings home following what police described as a family disturbance.

Billings police received a 911 call reporting a shooting at 315 White Star Circle at 6:01 p.m. on Aug. 23, KULR 8 reported.

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Police said shots were fired from behind the home as the first officer arrived at 6:12 p.m. Three minutes later, crews reported seeing smoke and the house became fully involved in fire.

One person was transported to a hospital at 6:48 p.m. and later pronounced dead, police said.

The home became fully involved in fire shortly after crews arrived, and fire suppression took priority because the flames prevented responders from safely attempting to rescue or recover victims, Police Chief Rich Mayo told the Billings Gazette.

The cause of the fire has not been released. Investigators said the home was destroyed, complicating the investigation, while nearby houses were largely unaffected.

Firefighters faced additional challenges because the subdivision did not have fire hydrants, Fire Chief Matt Hoppel said. Water trucks were brought in to supply crews as they battled what Hoppel described as a complex and dangerous incident.

“The delay and limited access presented significant challenges,” Hoppel said. “Fire conditions continued to worsen, and the residence ultimately became heavily involved and was consumed by fire.”

CBS News reported the suspect later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said. Investigators said the suspect knew the victims and described the shooting as involving family members, but a motive remains under investigation.

Police have not released the number of people killed.

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