Fire Engine Fatal Crash Kills Father and Son in Hemet

Ayuda California.
June 12, 2026

Hemet, California – A devastating fire engine fatal crash in Hemet, California, claimed the lives of a father and his young son while leaving another child and several firefighters injured. The collision occurred on June 5 near the intersection of State Street and Domenigoni Parkway in Riverside County.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department engine responding to the Cranston Fire collided with a Mini Cooper carrying Arthur Fernandez and his two sons. The incident remains under investigation as family members seek answers about how the tragedy occurred.

What Happened

According to the preliminary investigation:

Arthur Fernandez was driving a black Mini Cooper with his sons, 10-year-old Arthur Fernandez III and 5-year-old Mikey.
The family was reportedly traveling to an arcade on June 5.
A Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department engine was traveling northbound on State Street while responding to the Cranston Fire.
The Mini Cooper was traveling westbound on Gibbel Road near the intersection of State Street and Domenigoni Parkway.

Authorities stated that:

The fire engine had its emergency lights and sirens activated as it responded to the emergency call.
The fire engine and Mini Cooper collided in the intersection.
Arthur Fernandez was pronounced dead at the scene.
Arthur Fernandez III suffered severe injuries and later died at a nearby hospital.
Mikey survived the collision with injuries.
Three firefighters were also injured but survived.

Family members stated that Arthur Fernandez was a former wildland firefighter who understood the importance of yielding to emergency vehicles. Relatives also reported that witnesses claimed the fire engine entered the intersection at approximately 40 mph without slowing before the collision.

What Does California Law Say?

California law grants emergency vehicles certain privileges when responding to emergencies. However, emergency vehicle operators must still exercise due regard for the safety of other roadway users.

Applicable Law

California Vehicle Code § 21055

This law allows authorized emergency vehicles responding to emergencies to proceed through red lights and exceed speed limits under certain circumstances, provided they use audible sirens and visible emergency lights.

California Vehicle Code § 21056

This statute provides that emergency vehicle drivers are not relieved of the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway.

Legal Rights and Liability Considerations

Even when no criminal charges are filed, a separate civil investigation may determine whether negligence contributed to the collision. Investigators often examine factors such as right-of-way, traffic signals, emergency vehicle speed, visibility, siren and light activation, roadway conditions, and agency safety procedures.

California follows a pure comparative negligence system (Li v. Yellow Cab Co., 13 Cal.3d 804 (1975)), meaning fault may be shared among multiple parties based on the evidence.

If negligence is established, family members can pursue wrongful death claims for funeral expenses, financial support loss, and companionship loss. Injured survivors may seek damages for medical costs, rehab, pain, future treatment, and other recoverable damages under California law.