/2nd firefighter found dead in powerful California library fire allegedly started by 13-year-olds

2nd firefighter found dead in powerful California library fire allegedly started by 13-year-olds

The fire erupted Tuesday at the city library in Porterville, California.

A second firefighter was found dead in a powerful arson blaze that ripped through a California library, officials said overnight.

The fire — allegedly started by two 13-year-old boys — erupted Tuesday at the city library in Porterville, about 80 miles southeast of Fresno, authorities said. The fire caused the ceiling to collapse into the building, officials said.

Porterville Fire Chief Dave LaPere choked back tears Wednesday as he announced that one firefighter killed was identified as 35-year-old Capt. Raymond Figueroa, who had been with the department since 2007.

Firefighter Patrick Jones, 25, was unaccounted for through Tuesday night and all day Wednesday.

Late Wednesday night, the fire department said Jones’ remains were found within the library.

Jones joined the Porterville City Fire Department in 2017.

The two 13-year-old boys allegedly responsible for the deadly blaze were booked as juveniles on charges of arson, conspiracy and manslaughter, Porterville Police Chief Eric Kroutil said Wednesday.

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