Memorial Service Set To Remember Family Killed In Fire

PALM SPRINGS -A memorial service will be held toady to remember five people who died in a fire that gutted a mobile home in North Palm Springs.

The service, which is set for 5 p.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church, will remember Rosa Silva, 30, her children — Sergio Hernandez, 7, Selena Hernandez, 6, and Pamela Sanchez, 11 — along with Silva’s boyfriend, Telesforo Hernandez-Perez, 32.

The family’s lone survivor, 13-year-old Ciria Silva, was not at home when the fire broke out at 150 Oregon Trail, in the Western Village Mobile Home Park around 5:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day. What sparked it remains under investigation.

About 25 firefighters had the blaze out in about 15 minutes, but the trailer was destroyed and the occupants were unable to get out in time, according to Jody Hagemann of the Riverside County Fire Department.

Mayor Steve Pougnet is scheduled to speak at the memorial service.

“When a tragedy like this occurs, it’s important we call come together as a community — and in this case the response was tremendous,” Pougnet said.

Raymond Cree Middle School and Vista Del Monte Elementary have raised about $17,000 to help the Silva family pay for funeral costs.