PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The community of Porterville is mourning the loss of a woman and two children who were killed in an overnight fire.

According to the Porterville Fire Department, around 12:35 a.m. on Wednesday, crews responded to a house fire near Plano Avenue and Harrison Street.

Responding crews reported a two-story home was engulfed in flames on both floors. Firefighters searched through the extreme conditions and found three people inside, believed to be a woman and two juveniles.

Firefighters say all three victims succumbed to their injuries on scene. They also determined that five people lived inside, and two of them were able to escape.

“This is a heartbreaking loss for our community. On behalf of the Porterville Fire Department, I extend our deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, and all those impacted by this tragedy. Our firefighters faced extremely challenging conditions and did everything possible,” Porterville Fire Chief Bryan Cogburn said.

“As a community, we must come together to uplift and support those who are grieving. In times of such deep loss, it is my belief only God can fill the void and bring comfort where words fall short. I want to sincerely thank our Porterville firefighters, police officers, and first responders who courageously answered the call,” said Porterville Mayor Greg Meister.

Fire investigators are actively working to determine the cause and origin of the fire.

Porterville Police Department, Tulare County Fire, and CAL FIRE assisted firefighters on scene.