(Riverton, WY) – In light of the tragic house fire that occurred yesterday, April 30, in Riverton, which resulted in one fatality and serious injuries for two children, Riverton Police Department Chief Eric Hurtado issued a release, offering condolences to the family of the victims, as well as praise for the responders, dispatchers, and good Samaritans who assisted during the situation.
Chief Hurtado’s full remarks are shared below.
First of all, we extend our condolences to the family who suffered the loss of their loved one and are also dealing with the injuries of their children today.
To all our brave Good Samaritans, Riverton Police Officers, Fremont Co Sheriff’s deputies and the Riverton Volunteer Fire Department:
Today a tragic event struck our community. The City is lucky to have so many brave men and women serve and protect our community. For the single 911 Dispatcher handling dozens of emergency calls into our call center and relaying critical information to the first responders.
For the brave Riverton Police Officers who entered the burning home to search for the many reports of children still inside the home. Who are tonight Patching up singed uniforms, boots, hair and breathing in lots of smoke.
For the Deputies and Officers who rushed the victims to our hospital.
For our all-volunteer firefighters who left their jobs to come and try to rescue victims in the home and knocked down the fire before it spread to other homes in the neighborhood. For the staff at SageWest Hospital, Frontier Ambulance, and Guardian Air who worked to quickly care for the victims.
For the Fremont County Fire Protection District volunteer firefighters who quickly came to help our local firefighters.
I wanted to extend my appreciation to everyone involved and let the community know there are many heroes who live amongst us and care. Thank you. Our community is safer because you care!! Thank you!
Chief Hurtado also reached out to County 10 to express gratitude to the “good Samaritans” who rescued the children.
He explained that after the RPD’s initial statement in response to the fire was released, which stated that it was “people passing by who pulled the children out of the burning home,” the RPD later identified the two individuals.
“One of the people who pulled the children out of the window was identified as the uncle…” Chief Hurtado shared, adding that he lived next door to the home that caught fire.
“There was another person who had been driving past the home,” Chief Hurtado added. This individual and the uncle ultimately rescued the children, who were later flown out of state for advanced care.
At this time, further details and the cause of the fire have not been shared. County 10 will provide updates as they become available.