A Utah community is mourning after a devastating overnight house fire killed a father and three of his children while leaving other members of the family hospitalized.
The fire broke out shortly before 2 a.m. Thursday at a home in Riverdale, a city in Weber County just south of Ogden.
Riverdale police and firefighters were dispatched to the home at approximately 1:46 a.m. and arrived to find the residence fully engulfed in flames.
Eight members of the same family — two adults and six children — were inside the home when the fire broke out.
Firefighters rushed into the burning house and pulled family members from inside as crews battled the flames.
One child was pronounced dead at the scene.
An adult and two additional children were transported to hospitals but later died from their injuries, bringing the death toll to four.
Riverdale Fire Chief Matt Hennessy later confirmed that the victims were the family’s father and three children between the ages of 5 and 12.
Authorities have not publicly released their names as the surviving family members continue to process the tragedy.
The children’s mother and three surviving siblings were also taken to hospitals following the fire.
One of the surviving children remained in critical condition Thursday, while the mother and two other children were receiving treatment for less serious injuries, according to local officials.
Investigators have not yet determined what caused the blaze.
The scene remained under investigation as fire officials and other authorities worked to determine where the fire started and how it spread so quickly through the home.
No firefighters were reported injured during the rescue effort.
The tragedy has shaken the tight-knit Riverdale community, where neighbors described the family as loving, generous and deeply involved with those around them.
One neighbor said the family regularly helped others and even welcomed relatives into their home when they needed support.
Another described them as one of the most caring families in the neighborhood.
The children’s mother was also reportedly known in the community through her work with local schools, including serving as a crossing guard.
Hundreds of people gathered at a local church Thursday night for an emotional vigil honoring the family.
Purple ribbons began appearing around the community as friends, neighbors and classmates searched for ways to support the survivors.
Bishop David Messina, who said he had been close friends with the father, described the family as the kind of people who were always willing to help others.
He called the father a good friend and said the community was heartbroken by the sudden loss.
Neighbors echoed that sentiment, describing the father as exceptionally caring and devoted to his children.
The American Red Cross and other community organizations have also offered assistance to the surviving family members.
For Riverdale, the tragedy has left an entire neighborhood grieving while one child continues fighting to recover in the hospital.
Officials said the investigation into the cause of the fire remains ongoing.
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