Coroner rules fatal Ranchos fire a suicide

Staff Reports

The fire and explosion that killed a Gardnerville Ranchos man on July 31 has been ruled a suicide.

Robert Irvin Kellogg's home at 1191 Manhattan Way was destroyed in the fire that claimed his life.

According to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Kellogg's body was found inside the home after the fire was extinguished.

Investigators confirmed Kellogg's identity and said the fire had been intentionally set.

On Tuesday after meeting with Kellogg's family, investigators said Kellogg was responsible for the fire which was started by a flammable liquid poured throughout the home.

Investigators found videotape of Kellogg, 53, purchasing gasoline at a Gardnerville Ranchos convenience store at 9:09 p.m. the night of the fire, according to Sgt. Tom Mezzetta of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

Mezzetta said the gasoline was placed in portable containers about 36 minutes before the fire and explosions were reported.

A source close to the investigation said two portable fuel containers were found inside the home, where 10-15 gallons of gasoline had been poured.

"Friends and family reported that Kellogg had recently been despondent," Mezzetta said. "We have concluded the death investigation and determined Mr. Kellogg's death is a suicide."

No sign of forcible entry into the home was found in the investigation.

According to neighbors, there were at least three explosions in the home. Firefighters arriving at the scene were told there was at least one person in a back bedroom, but fire conditions and the damage from explosions prevented firefighters from entering the home.

Kellogg is the owner of the home, according to the Douglas County Assessor's Office. He was positively identified through dental records by the Washoe County Coroner's Office.

A funeral service for Kellogg was held Monday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at Spruce Street and Deseret Drive in Minden.