Father, 2 Children Killed When Fire Engulfs Santa Clara Home

Two children and their father died and another child was in critical condition Friday after a fire engulfed their home Christmas morning.

Amanda Hirsch, 7, her brother Gregory, 9, and their father, Todd, 34, all died in the blaze about 4:15 a.m., said Santa Clara Deputy Fire Chief Phil Kleinheinz.

The mother, Debbie Hirsch, escaped with 3-year-old Trevor. Kaylianne Hirsch, 10, was in critical condition Friday at a San Jose hospital with smoke inhalation and burns to 20% of her body. Debbie Hirsch, who was not hospitalized, and Trevor had minor injuries, said Jordan Pavacich, a nursing supervisor at Valley Medical Center.

“It’s terribly sad. We see tragedy throughout the year here, but it seems especially poignant for the staff on Christmas morning,” Pavacich said.

Kleinheinz said he could not recall another fire like it.

“Not this tragic and not on Christmas Day,” he said.

Todd and Gregory Hirsch died of extensive burns and smoke and fume inhalation. Amanda died of smoke and fume inhalation, said Lori Fraasch, an investigator at the Santa Clara County coroner’s office.

Investigators were trying to determine the cause of the fire, which destroyed the house and charred neighboring homes.

Also in the Bay Area on Christmas morning, two residents and a firefighter suffered minor injuries in a fire that heavily damaged or destroyed 10 apartment units at a Vallejo complex. The cause of that fire was unknown.