Firefighter killed & another missing during library fire in Porterville, California
Fire discovered Tuesday afternoon
PORTERVILLE LIBRARY FIRE???? Firefighters are working to save the library which caught on fire just after 5pm. Video courtesy of Naji Abdullah. @CBS47 @KSEE24 pic.twitter.com/kDzOLyLQzv
— Kirsten Mitchell (@Kirsten_TV) February 19, 2020
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One Porterville City firefighter has been killed and another firefighter is “unaccounted for” while battling flames at the Porterville City library.
More than 50 firefighters from several departments, including CAL FIRE and city and county crews, are working to battle the flames.
Charles Whisnand, Porterville Recorder:
Tulare County Fire Chief Charlie Norman confirmed the death of one firefighter and stated another was unaccounted for.
“We’re hoping to find that firefighter in very short oder,” said Norman about the firefighter unaccounted for during a press conference at about 8 p.m.
The fire was reported at about 4:15 p.m. Tuesday.
One of the two firefighters who were casualties was pulled out of the library by several firefighters. One firefighter was administering first aid, applying to hands to the firefighter’s chest.
After that one firefighter was taken away, one firefighter could be seen breaking down in tears. But he quickly gathered himself and returned to assist in battling the fire.
Heartbreaking ???? Firefighters continue to battle a massive fire at the #Porterville Library.
Courtesy: Naji Abdullah. pic.twitter.com/lZH6g28XwA— Kirsten Mitchell (@Kirsten_TV) February 19, 2020
A Porterville, CA library fire claims the life of one fire fighter. A 2nd fire fighter is unaccounted for. Dozens of fire fighters remain on scene tonight. https://t.co/fnokY2wRqF
— Heidi Hatch KUTV (@tvheidihatch) February 19, 2020
