One dead, 4 kids in critical condition after central Fresno house fire

One person is dead and four children under the age of 4 were in critical condition after an early Tuesday morning fire erupted at a home in central Fresno.

The fire broke out about 3:30 a.m. in a county island at North Harrison Avenue and East Sussex Way. Investigators say firefighting efforts were hindered by cars and other property outside the home as well as clutter inside the structure.

The four children were treated with breathing devices, said Andy Isolano, an investigator with the North Central Fire District. Three adults were also in critical condition and one adult was in stable condition. The man killed in the fire was identified by the Fresno County coroner as Nicholas Rodriguez, 31. One of the adults was transferred from Saint Agnes Medical Center to the burn unit at Community Regional Medical Center.

The Fresno County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Nicholas Rodriguez, 31, of Fresno. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office was initially involved in the investigation of the blaze, but sheriff’s spokesman Tony Botti said it was determined that the incident was not a criminal matter.

The department was assisted in fighting the blaze by units from the Fresno city fire department. Investigators from both departments were on the scene, though the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office announced later Tuesday that the fire was no longer being treated as a criminal matter.

The home was a total loss, Isolano said.

He added that the house resembled a “hoarder home” inside the structure.

It “pretty much resembles what you see on the exterior,” he said.

Isolano said the roof collapsed shortly after firefighters arrived.

This story will be updated.

This story was originally published December 17, 2019 at 8:48 AM.