Porterville library fire: Body of 2nd firefighter found, 2 teens arrested for starting fire
PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KFSN) -- Two 13-year-old boys have been arrested in connection to a deadly fire at the Porterville city library, authorities announced Wednesday morning.
Porterville Fire officials identified the firefighter killed while fighting the blaze as Porterville Fire Capt. Raymond Figueroa. The 35-year-old started his career with the department in 2007.
Late Wednesday night, the Porterville Fire Department said that the body of 25-year-old Porterville firefighter Patrick Jones was found inside the building.
Officials said two teenagers were seen running from the building as the flames grew. Porterville police detectives tracked down the teens and arrested them. They have been booked into the Tulare County Juvenile Detention Facility on manslaughter and arson charges.
WATCH: Authorities provide updates on deadly Porterville library fire
More than 50 firefighters from Cal Fire, Tulare County and Fresno County helped Porterville city fire crews control the deadly fire.
"This has taxed a lot of our resources, and a lot of our officers and our investigating units are out there," said Porterville Police Chief Eric Kroutil as crews battled the blaze for hours.
RELATED: Deadly Porterville fire: Officials say library had no sprinkler system
ABC30 insiders captured the billowing smoke and flames as they called friends and loved ones who may have been inside when it started on Tuesday afternoon.
"I called a couple of people I knew in there to make sure they were okay," said Cecelia Nunes Martinez. "It's just so sad that this is happening in Porterville."
A link has been provided if you wish to donate to the Porterville Fire Department.
