FRESNO, Calif. (AP) - Two people were killed and four children under the age of 4 were in critical condition after a fire erupted at a home in Fresno, authorities said.
The children, ranging from 4 months to 4 years, were treated with breathing devices at the scene but are all expected to survive, Andy Isolano, an investigator with the North Central Fire District told The Fresno Bee.
But their father, identified as Nicholas Rodriguez, 31, died in the blaze. His wife is also in a hospital in critical condition.
Investigators say firefighting efforts were hindered by cars and other property outside the home, as well as clutter inside what they described as a “hoarder home.”
It “pretty much resembles what you see on the exterior,” he said.
Patricia Rodriguez, 25, also died as a result of the fire Tuesday, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said.
The two who died were not related, sheriff’s officials said.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office was initially involved in the investigation of the blaze, but sheriff’s spokesman Tony Botti said it was determined that the incident was not a criminal matter.
The home was a total loss, Isolano said.
Isolano said the roof collapsed shortly after firefighters arrived. The cause of the fire has not been determined.
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