Candlelight Vigil Set For 2 People Found Dead In Banning House Fire

BANNING, CA — A Banning house fire over the weekend left two people dead, and a candlelight vigil is planned in the victims' honor.

A family relative has identified the deceased as Chris and Dora Palacios.

According to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department, six engine crews were sent to the blaze at 4:50 a.m. Saturday on John Street, near Hargrave Street, just south of Interstate 10.

When personnel arrived, they encountered smoke and flames emanating from the single-story home.

"There was a double fatality. The victims were discovered by fire personnel," county fire department spokeswoman Maggie Cline de La Rosa told City News Service.

A GoFundMe account launched to raise money for the victims' funerals has raised nearly $9,000 as of Monday afternoon.

"I'm reaching out to everyone to help us in this difficult time," the victims' relative, Daniel Palacios, wrote in the GoFundMe account. "This is a tough time for us all. Anything helps — prayers, donations."

Palacios identified the victims as his Grandmother Dora and Uncle Chris.

Daniel Palacios said a public candlelight vigil is planned for Chris and Dora Palacios at 6:30 p.m. Monday at 638 E. John St., Banning.

"Everyone is welcome," Palacios said.