The fast actions of some Riverton good Samaritans are being credited for rescuing two children from a Thursday house fire that left one person dead and two people critically hurt.
They were part of a massive response from local first responders and bystanders who rushed in to help with a house on fire in the 600 block of North Broadway Avenue at about 1:30 p.m., the Riverton Police Department (RPD) reports.
Before firefighters and police arrived, witnesses who saw smoke coming from the home rushed inside and pulled two young children to safety, according to the RPD.
“Some good Samaritans who initially saw smoke coming from the home were able to locate two small children inside the home and pulled them outside,” the agency says in an initial report about the fire and response.
“Officers who arrived within one minute of the call entered the smoke-filled home to attempt to locate and rescue other children who were reported to still be inside the home,” the report says. “They were faced with thick smoke as they tried to search for the other victims.”
Besides the two children rescued by the bystanders, the Riverton Fire Department also went into the home and located another person inside.
“The three victims were transported to a local hospital,” the RPD reports. “One was pronounced deceased at the hospital and two were flown out of state for advanced care.”
The conditions of the survivors have not been released, nor has the identity of the person who died.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
‘Many Heroes’
Riverton Fire Chief Eric Hurtado expressed condolences to the family and praised the response from trained responders and local residents.
“Today, a tragic event struck our community,” Hurtado said in a statement. “The city is lucky to have so many brave men and women who serve and protect.”
He specifically highlighted the actions of the bystanders, police officers who entered the burning home, volunteer firefighters who left their jobs to respond, and the lone 911 dispatcher handling a surge of emergency calls.
“I wanted to extend my appreciation to everyone involved and let the community know there are many heroes who live amongst us and care,” Hurtado said. “Thank you. Our community is safer because you care!”
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is available.
Kolby Fedore can be reached at kolby@cowboystatedaily.com.
