Sanson fire tragedy: Victims officially named, police say it will take time for answers

Police have expressed their “deepest condolences” and completed their scene examination at the Sanson property in Manawatū where three children and their father died, but said “it will take time for us to get answers for the family”.

The fire-hit property was handed back to the family on Thursday morning, Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham said.

“Police’s investigation into the fatal incident is ongoing, and it will take time for us to get answers for the family.”

The family is being offered wraparound support, he said in a statement this afternoon.

“We would like to acknowledge the community for their outpouring of support for the family as they come to terms with this tragedy.”

Grantham thanked the police staff who had worked tirelessly over the past week and continued to work on this difficult investigation.

More than $300,000 has now been raised for the mother who lost her three children in the house fire last weekend.

August, Hugo and Goldie, the three children who died in the Sanson fire on Saturday, November 17. Photo / Givealittle

Hugo, 7, August, 5, and Goldie, 1, died at a Sanson property last Saturday after the house caught alight about 2.30pm.

The deaths of the three children and their father, Dean Field, are being treated as a homicide.

Investigations into the fatal house fire on State Highway 1 in Sanson are continuing.

The man’s body had reportedly not been touched by the flames.

Police officially released their names today.

Friends of Chelsey Field set up a Givealittle page to assist the grieving mother as she “starts to rebuild her life”.

“In the midst of this unimaginable grief, she also lost her home and everything she owned,” they wrote.

“She is facing the hardest journey possible, stripped of her physical security while navigating the deepest emotional pain.”