Christmas Tree Caused Hemet Fire That Killed Father, 2 Children

HEMET, CA — A father died along with his two daughters on Friday after he rushed back into their burning Hemet apartment in an attempt to save them, authorities said. An eight-year-old boy suffered critical injuries, while two other children and their mother were able to escape.

The man has been identified as Juan Moreno, 41, who died along with his daughters, aged 12 and four. A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to help the Moreno family with medical and funeral costs.

The cause was "an electrical fire originating at the Christmas tree" inside the family's home at the Olive Apartments, authorities said Saturday. The fire broke out shortly after 1 a.m. Friday.

Robert Richmond, a neighbor, told reporters that a woman and her husband who lived in the apartment were "trying to put it out" and screaming for help.

"Before they knew it, it went up in flames," Richmond said.

Most residents of the 25-unit complex had gotten out by the time police and fire crews reached the building, Hemet Police Department Lt. Jeff Davis said.

The woman who lived there told authorities that Moreno, her husband, had carried their infant and an 11-year-old girl to safety, before running back into the burning building for the rest of his children.

"It's my understanding that ... the 41-year-old male ... went back inside to rescue other family members that were not able to get out, and he wasn't seen alive after that, unfortunately," Hemet police Lt. Nate Miller said.

Davis said that firefighters found the bodies of a 4-year-old girl, 12-year-old girl and their father inside the apartment. The family's 8-year-old son was rescued, but suffered extensive injuries and was airlifted to UCI Medical Center in Orange in grave condition, according to Miller. The boy remained in grave condition Saturday, authorities said.

The Red Cross was assisting the complex's 40 displaced residents.

Following the fire, Hemet Fire Chief Scott Brown reminded residents of the importance of smoke alarms.

"This tragedy underscores how quickly a fire can spread," Brown said. "Smoke alarms provide that critical early warning so you can get out quickly and are an important part of a home fire escape plan."

City News Service contributed to this report.