Father Dies Along With His Two Daughters Trying to Save Them in Hemet Apartment Fire
(IBEXNews) - A Southern California father tried and failed to save his two young daughters Friday from the deadly blaze of an apartment fire that killed the three family members and seriously injured a young boy.
Juan Moreno, 41, and his daughters, 12-year-old Maria and 4-year-old Janessa died as a result of the fire that began shortly after 1 a.m. local time Friday at the 2-story building in Hemet — about 40 miles west of Palm Springs, according to The Press-Enterprise.
Moreno’s wife, who was not identified, told authorities the fire began in her unit, apartment 9, which according to newspaper, was destroyed in the blaze that also damaged adjoining units.
Hemet police Lt. Jeff Davis said the woman woke Moreno, who helped her get their infant and 11-year-old out of the building.
“The husband went back into the apartment to rescue their remaining children,” Davis said.
Firefighters discovered four in the apartment, the deceased Moreno, as well as Maria and Janessa, who died at the hospital, and an 8-year-old boy who was airlifted to a hospital in grave condition.
There is no word regarding the condition of Moreno’s wife, infant, and 11-year-old.
“It was quite an effort to keep the fire from spreading and taking out the whole building,” Hemet Fire Chief Scott Brown said.
Brown said electrical or mechanical issues might have contributed to the fire, and officials are even investigating malfunctioning Christmas tree lights.
“It’s an unacceptable loss, and we need to make sure it doesn’t happen again and honor them and find out what caused this,” Brown said of the tragedy, adding that people should avoid buildings that are on fire and not attempt to save those inside. “Once you get out, you stay out.”
If the loss of life weren’t enough, the fire has left 40 residents without a home, though the Red Cross will remain open to help those who need it.