Porterville, CA - At approximately 11:18 PM, on December 7, 2025, the Porterville Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire in the area of S. Indiana Street.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered significant fire involvement and immediately initiated coordinated fire attack, search, and rescue operations. During the primary search, crews located multiple victims inside the residence. A total of five individuals, one adult and four children, were removed from the home.
Despite the rapid lifesaving efforts of firefighters, paramedics, and supporting agencies, all five victims were pronounced deceased. The identities of the victims are being withheld pending next-of-kin notification.
The fire was contained to the involved structure, and no firefighters were injured during the response. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, as fire investigators work to determine the origin and circumstances surrounding the incident.
“This is a devastating loss for the family and for our community,” said Fire Chief Bryan Cogburn. “Our thoughts and condolences are with the loved ones affected by this tragedy.”
Further information will be released as it becomes available. The Porterville Fire Department respectfully asks the media and public to honor the privacy of the family during this difficult time.
Porterville, lying along the foothills of the picturesque Sierra Nevada mountain range, is located on State Route 65, 165 miles north of Los Angeles. The city has a strategic central location to major markets and ready access to major transportation routes. Centrally located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Porterville is situated on the eastern edge of California's San Joaquin Valley, just 17 miles off State Route 99, a primary north-south transportation route. The city is approximately an hour from Fresno and Bakersfield and is a bustling city of over 62,000, serving as a trade center to over 100,000 people. Porterville serves as the gateway to the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument, and is home to The Mighty 190, a local tourism collaboration that promotes countless outdoor adventures and natural amenities located along State Route 190 in southeastern Tulare County between Porterville and the Trail of 100 Giants. To learn more, please visit www.ci.porterville.ca.us or www.themighty190.com. Questions? Please contact yvelarde@ci.porterville.ca.us.
