Crews have found the remains of a second firefighter killed while battling a blaze at Porterville’s public library allegedly started by two 13-year-old boys, authorities said.
The boys face arson, manslaughter and conspiracy charges. Their names were not released because they are minors. It was not immediately known if they have attorneys who can speak on their behalf.
The Porterville Fire Department said crews were able to enter the the library building late Wednesday and found firefighter Patrick Jones’ body.
Jones, 25, and Capt. Raymond Figueroa, 35, were killed Tuesday.
Two 13-year-old boys were arrested on suspicion of starting the blaze after they were seen running from the library shortly after the fire erupted, Porterville Police Chief Eric Kroutil said
The boys face arson, manslaughter and conspiracy charges. Their names were not released because they are minors. It was not immediately known if they have attorneys who can speak on their behalf.
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The Library Was Built in 1953 and Did Not Have Sprinklers
The blaze was reported at about 4:15 p.m. Tuesday. Staff called 911 when they noticed flames in the children’s section of the library, which has about 77,000 books.
Flames shot through the library’s roof, which later collapsed. The library is located about a block from the fire department.
The library was built in 1953 and did not have sprinklers, said Fire Department Capt. Joanne Bear.
More than 50 state, county and city crews battled the stubborn blaze for hours.
