A California firefighter was killed and another is still unaccounted for following a two-alarm blaze that was intentionally set at a library late Tuesday.
Porterville Fire Capt. Raymond Figueroa died battling the blaze at the city's library, said Fire Chief Dave LaPere as he fought back tears during a press conference Wednesday. Figueroa, 35, had been with the department in 2007.
LaPere said firefighter Patrick Jones was still missing. Jones joined the department in 2017.
Crews were working to make the charred building safe so that a search and rescue team could enter and look for Jones, said Capt. Joanne Baer, the incident information officer for the department. The ceiling had collapsed into the library, and firefighters were worried about the stability of the building's walls, she added.
LaPere and Porterville officials did not give details concerning Figueroa's death.
"Certainly trying times for the city. Buildings can be replaced but personnel are the life and energy of the city …," said City Manager John D. Lollis during the press conference.
Immediately after the fire started, authorities received information that the fire was intentionally started, said Police Chief Eric Kroutil. An investigation led to the arrest of two 13-year-olds, who were charged with arson and manslaughter.
The fire broke out at about 4:15 p.m., and Porterville crews made their way to the library, which is only a block from a fire station. Library staffers were able to evacuate the building and get everyone out, Lollis said.
As firefighters arrived, a second alarm was struck, and crews from the surrounding area, including Fresno County and CAL FIRE, responded, Baer said. More than 50 firefighters eventually were at the scene, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Baer said that the department has people available for firefighters who are struggling with the incident to talk to. The department also is working with firefighters on incident stress.
