Billings: Eight people, including four children, were killed in a shooting and subsequent fire at a home in Billings, Montana, local authorities reported on Tuesday. The victims spanned four generations of a blended family, from a great-grandmother in her 90s to a 7-year-old girl, according to neighbor and family friend Jennifer Mercer.

According to Anadolu Agency, fundraising campaigns have been initiated to support a man who reportedly lost his wife, children, and other relatives in the incident, as well as for the mother of two children believed to be among the victims. During a press conference on Tuesday, authorities revealed that gunshots were audible during the 911 call made from the scene.

First responders encountered smoke billowing from the home upon arrival but were impeded by an active shooter, who later shot himself and succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. The presence of the shooter prevented firefighters from immediately addressing the fire, allowing the flames to fully engulf the residence, said the Billings fire chief.

Billings police have confirmed the number of fatalities but have withheld the identities of the victims and the gunman as the homicide investigation proceeds. 'To protect the integrity of this ongoing investigation and the recovery efforts currently underway, no additional information will be released at this time,' noted a joint statement from the police department and the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office. Authorities emphasized the complexity of the process due to the structural damage to the home caused by the fire.