Porterville family, community mourns four children after home fire
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Mother asks public to donate to Porterville Funeral and Cremation Center.
- Family warns against fraudulent GoFundMe pages; direct donations advised.
- Porterville Fire Department reports one adult and four children died; probe ongoing.
The mother of the four children who died Sunday in a Porterville home fire is asking for donations to help with funeral expenses.
“My children are at Porterville funeral home,” said Crystal Lewis in a social media post. “I should be buying bikes and toys and not urns and planning funerals for all four of my kids.”
Donations can be made directly to Porterville Funeral and Cremation Center on Herderson and Indiana, by calling 559-784-6485. To go in-person to make a donation: 765 W Henderson Ave, Porterville
Family members of the victims said people trying to take advantage of their tragedy created GoFundMe accounts, but all donations should be made directly to the funeral home that is handling the services.
Around 11:15 p.m. Sunday, the Porterville Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire in the area of South Indiana Street where one adult and four children were pronounced dead at the scene after rescue efforts.
The names, gender, relationships, and ages of the victims have not been released by authorities.
News reports have identified the children as 1-year-old William, 2-year-old Buckley, 3-year-old Charlie and 5-year-old Ruby. All were with their 34-year-old father, Cody Schuler.
“This is a devastating loss for the family and for our community,” said Fire Chief Bryan Cogburn earlier this week in a news release. “Our thoughts and condolences are with the loved ones affected by this tragedy.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
This story was originally published December 11, 2025 at 11:19 AM.
