Investigation deepens into deadly Elks Lodge fire that left 3 dead, one injured
Update 3/14/24 2:55 p.m.
A second person was identified by the coroner's office.
Josee Vanbuskirk, 37, of Wasilla, Alaska / Cathedral City was pronounced dead at the scene.
The third person killed in the fire remains unidentified as the coroner seeks to notify next of kin.
Update - 3/11/24 9:05 PM
On Monday, the Riverside County Coroner's office identified one of the three people killed in the fire.
The coroner announced Phillip Pape, 46, of Cathedral City was among the three dead along with an unnamed Cathedral City male and female.
The coroner's office said the unnamed man and woman's ID would be released after family or next of kin are notified.
Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.
Original Report
A Riverside County Arson Investigation Team is working alongside the Cathedral City Fire and Police Departments to look into Saturday's deadly Elks Lodge fire.
“We're in that in between, right," said Cathedral City Fire Chief Michael Contreras. "We still have some questions. And we don't have all the answers. They're probably gonna lean towards unknown right now, because there wasn't any obvious incendiary devices.”
Contreras was at the scene on Saturday morning as his crews put out the fire. Several people were trapped inside, and although fire fighters and police officers worked tirelessly to save them, not everyone made it out.
Three people were killed in the fire, and a fourth was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition. That person, has since been flown out to a burn center outside of the Coachella Valley. During the mission, one fire fighter was hurt. Contreras says he is off work with a neck injury, and that he hopes to return in about a week.
News Channel Three asked whether officials could confirm if the victims were homeless individuals.
“It was witnessed in the investigators report, there was approximately eight individuals that were leaving the building at the same time when the first police officer arrived on scene," said Contreras. "So again, do I know definitively they're unhoused? No, I don't. They could have been in the Travelodge next door. And just were over there hanging out. And so, again, definitively, we don't have any information. I know that three of them have are known to have been unhoused.”
As of Monday, none of the victims have been identified, but autopsies are scheduled for Tuesday.
The Elks Lodge building, which was one of the oldest in Cathedral City, was a total loss. Only ash and rubble remain, and clean up efforts are already underway.
In a statement sent to News Channel Three from Cathedral City, officials say the building is set to be demolished.
“The City’s Chief Building Official has been in contact with the property owner. They are aware of the actions needed moving forward, which entail a Demolition Permit to proceed with debris removal and any immediate demolition to remove safety concerns and construction fencing to secure the property from public access.”
Ryan Hunt, Cathedral City PIO
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Crime stoppers.
Stay with News Channel Three for any new updates.
