Fresno house fire leads to 2 deaths, including father of 4. Children expected to survive

Two people died 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 four children, ranging in ages from 4 months to 4 years, were treated with breathing devices, said Andy Isolano, an investigator with the North Central Fire District. They are all expected to survive.

The man killed in the fire was identified by the Fresno County coroner as Nicholas Rodriguez, 31. He is the father of the four children and his wife remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Patricia Rodriguez, 25, died Tuesday afternoon as a result of the fire, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said.

The two who died were not related, sheriff’s officials said.

Another adult remained in critical condition and one more is in stable condition.

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.

Sheriff’s officials were assisted in fighting the blaze by units from the Fresno Fire Department. Investigators from both departments were on the scene.

The home was a total loss, Isolano said, adding that the house resembled a “hoarder home.”

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

Isolano said the roof collapsed shortly after firefighters arrived.