An overnight fire tore through a Porterville home as firefighters attempted rescues

By Anthony Galaviz
The Fresno Bee

PORTERVILLE, Calif. — Five people, including four children, were killed Sunday night when a fire broke out in a Porterville home.

Fire crews responded just after 11:15 p.m. to a home in the area of South Indiana Street, where they encountered heavy flames and immediately began rescue efforts.

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Multiple victims were found inside the burning home, authorities said.

One adult and four children were pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities are withholding the identities of the victims pending notification of next of kin.

“This is a devastating loss for the family and for our community,” Fire Chief Bryan Cogburn said. “Our thoughts and condolences are with the loved ones affected by this tragedy.”

No firefighters were injured. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Porterville is in Tulare County in California, about 75 miles southeast of Fresno.

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