Hacienda Heights Fire Results In Two Deaths, Three Injuries

A mother and her 3 year-old son are dead after a massive fire ripped through their home in Hacienda Heights, California, reports KTLA. The father of the family was able to help their 8 year-old daughter escape, but the fire blazed so hot that it was impossible to rescue the mother and toddler. The fire was reported late Sunday night.

The mother died at the scene while the rest of the family were transported to the hospital, reports the Daily News. Assistant Chief Ed Winter of the coroner's office confirmed to the Daily News that the little boy died of his injuries at the hospital. A firefighter was also treated for smoke inhalation.

Neighbors at the scene shot video of the fire and told investigators that they could hear screams and popping noises coming from the blaze, according to CBS Los Angeles video (above).

Battalion Chief Joel Harrison of the Los Angeles County Fire Department told CBS Los Angeles that either the home didn't have a fire detector or it wasn't working. An investigation is still pending.