THURSTON COUNTY, Wash. — An infant has died following a vehicle fire Tuesday afternoon in Thurston County, according to the Thurston County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies and fire personnel were dispatched at approximately 12:10 p.m. on July 21 to the 300 block of 93rd Avenue SE after receiving reports of a vehicle fully engulfed in flames with an infant still secured inside a car seat.

Despite rescue efforts by the child's father, nearby residents, and emergency responders, the infant died in the fire.

According to investigators, the father was preparing to leave his residence with his three children, ages 12 years, 2 years, and 5 months. Authorities say the children remained inside the running vehicle while the father briefly returned inside the home.

A short time later, smoke began filling the vehicle. Investigators say the 12-year-old was able to remove the 2-year-old child from the vehicle before running inside to alert their father. By the time they returned outside, the vehicle had become fully engulfed in flames.

The father and several neighbors attempted to extinguish the fire and rescue the infant. Multiple people suffered burn injuries during the rescue attempt. The father, the injured individuals, and the children were transported for medical evaluation and treatment.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Detectives with the Thurston County Sheriff's Office are working alongside local fire investigators and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to determine what led to the blaze.

No additional information has been released at this time. Authorities say more details will be provided as the investigation continues.

The Thurston County Sheriff's Office extended its condolences to the family and all those affected by the tragic incident.