Investigation continues after Porterville house fire kills mother and 2 teenage children
PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KFSN) -- On the corner of Plano Avenue and Harrison Street in Porterville is a charred two-story home that was engulfed in deadly flames around 12:30 am on Wednesday.
Inside the home was a family of five. Only two survived -- the father and the oldest daughter.
The mother, Gladis Plumlee and two children, a 14-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy, didn't make it out.
"It's just not the same. Not without him, his sister or his mother," said Granite Hills High School student Bella Perez.
On Wednesday night, friends of the teens gathered at the site of the tragedy, paying their respects and sharing their disbelief.
RELATED: Community remembers family members killed in Porterville house fire
The following morning, family members were seen inside the home.
Action News talked with friends and relatives who did not want to speak on camera, saying they're heartbroken and at a loss for words.
A statement they provided to Action News reads:
"A home can be rebuilt, but the family that was lost cannot be replaced. Gladis and the two children lost their lives in a house fire. This family was full of selflessness and souls that wouldn't think twice about helping others. They have all been active parts of their community."
The statement went on to thank everyone for their prayers and support.
RELATED: Mother and two children killed in house fire in Porterville, officials say
Fire Chief Bryan Cogburn says devastating fires are never easy, and his department is actively investigating to determine the cause.
"With this type of construction, the balloon type of construction, you can have fires spread from one floor to the next relatively quickly," Chief Cogburn said. "There was heavy fire involvement. Our crews were able to get inside and perform a search, but it was well involved on both the first and second floor."
His hope is for the investigation to be complete in the next week or two.
If you would like to help the family during this time of need, click here.
For news updates, follow Elisa Navarro on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
