Family remembers loved ones lost in Fresno retirement home fire

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- "This is just heartbreaking for our family," says Autumn Avila. "We lost two people in one day -- it's just devastating."

On the morning of February 3, a fire ripped through an apartment home inside the Willow Court Retirement Community in southeast Fresno.

When Fresno Fire arrived, crews discovered the fire was nearly extinguished, with 66-year-old Rita Avila and 22-year-old Joseph Irelan dead inside, along with four cats and a dog.

Officials confirmed Avila was Irelan's grandmother. The family is now reflecting on Rita's loving legacy and the memory of her grandson, Joseph.

"Every time you would see her, she would always hug and kiss you," Autumn said. "She (Rita) always treated me like I was hers."

Fire investigators said the fire began in the living room and traveled to the attic. Other of the adjacent units were damaged.

Fresno police have ruled out foul play as the cause of the fire.

"It's unfathomable for our whole family," Autumn said. "Now we're planning both services."

In the midst of her grief, Joseph's mother, Gabrielle shared words in a statement about her son, saying, "Joey was a good soul. He had a big, loud presence with a huge smile. He was adventurous, he was caring and kind."

The gravity of the loss weighs heavily on the family as they navigate through their emotions.

"We're all just trying to get through it the best way that we can," Autumn said. "The fact that my cousin has to bury her child -- how do you do that? How do you do this and mourn your mom at the same time?"

A GoFundMe has been started to help the family during this time.

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