PEORIA, AZ — Two people have died after a fire broke out at a senior living apartment community in Peoria on Monday night.
Peoria fire officials say they were called to the area near 99th and Olive avenues just before 7:30 p.m. for a report of an apartment fire.
When firefighters arrived, they found an apartment building, identified as the Olive Ridge Senior Living community, that had heavy fire inside.
Once the fire was brought under control, two people were located inside. The two, a man and a woman, were pronounced dead at the scene, according to fire officials.
Peoria police identified the victims Tuesday as 82-year-old Gene Kaluza and 79-year-old Joanne Kaluza.
ABC15 was told the cause of the fire is still under investigation, but items like oxygen tanks were found in the unit.
"I know there was a mobile chair that was recovered from the scene that was also charred, so I do know there were possibly mobility issues," said Peoria Police PIO Kristopher Babros.
Witnesses also reported hearing a loud explosion in the apartment.
The CEO of the complex, Megan Majors, says there are smoke detectors installed in each unit, staff was on site when the fire broke out, and their last fire inspection was July 2025. Majors said no deficiencies were found.
One neighbor ABC15 spoke to said her unit did have a smoke detector.
Peoria fire officials say since this is 55 and up independent living community, they are not required to have fire drills.
Our team asked about the apartment that went up in flames, Peoria Police detectives said no smoke detectors were found throughout the investigation.
ABC15 has reached back out to the complex. Majors sent us the following statement:
"The Olive Ridge Senior Living Community is devastated regarding the fire that occurred in one of its Independent Living Units at approximately 7:25pm last evening. The Fire Department was instantly called, and Community staff took immediate action to alert other tenants and keep the affected area clear for emergency responders. It is our understanding that two of our tenants passed as a result of the fire; our hearts and prayers go out to their families and loved ones as they process this tragic loss.
We are aware that the Police and Fire Departments are presently investigating the incident, and we have not been advised that they have reached any conclusions as to the cause of the fire at this early stage in the process.
We are exceptionally grateful for the prompt and professional responses of the public safety officers, and to our Olive Ridge team members to this most unfortunate and unexpected event."
ABC15 also briefly spoke with several family members, but they were still grappling with the news.
