During Fatal House Fire, Bystanders Rush Into Burning Riverton Home To Rescue Kids

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 others critically injured. The fire broke out at about 1:30 p.m. in the 600 block of North Broadway Avenue, drawing a massive response from first responders and local residents.

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 Riverton Police Department. “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 said in an initial report. (The department later clarified that the deceased woman’s brother and another man on scene were the rescuers.)

Officers arrived within one minute of the call and entered the smoke-filled home to search for other children reported to still be inside. “They were faced with thick smoke as they tried to search for the other victims,” the report said. The Riverton Fire Department also entered the home and located another person.

The three victims were transported to a local hospital. One was pronounced deceased at the hospital, and two were flown out of state for advanced care. Their conditions have not been released, nor has the identity of the person who died. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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!”