Four young sisters killed in fire while left home alone

Four sisters, ages just 2 through 7, were killed in a fire while left home alone in North Carolina with two 12-year-old girls, who escaped and called for help, according to authorities.

The girls — identified in a fundraiser as Kendall, Kalani, Josie, and Sophie — all died when the blaze ripped through their home in Chadbourn around 2:30 a.m. Saturday, Columbus County Fire Marshal Shannon Blackman told WNCN.

There were no adults at home at the time, officials said, without detailing where the other family members were.

However, there were two 12-year-old girls — one a sister, Winter — who were able to escape and call for help as the younger girls were trapped.

“Due to the severity of the fire, it was not possible to make a safe entry into the home,” Columbus County Sheriff Bill Rogers said Tuesday.

It was not exactly clear how the fire started, and there have been no charges announced. The Tar Heel state does not have an age limit for when kids can be left alone.

“Our community is facing an unimaginable tragedy,” Sheriff Rogers and Fire Marshal Blackman said in a joint news release.

“We ask that everyone join together in support of the family and loved ones affected by this devastating loss. The thoughts and prayers of our agencies are with them during this extremely difficult time.”

A GoFundMe set up to raise money for the victims’ family has raised more than $3,000.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of the tragic loss of Kendall, Kalani, Josie, and Sophia, who passed away in a house fire,” organizers Ansley Hayes and B. Tyler Grainger wrote.

“These beautiful souls brought immense joy and love to their family and everyone who was blessed to know them,” the fundraiser continued.

“Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and support. Together, we can provide some comfort and relief to a family in profound need.”

An online memorial also called the grisl “bright lights who brought joy to everyone around them.”

“They loved being outdoors, whether at the pool, the beach, or soaking up the sunshine, and their laughter filled every space with warmth,” it said. “Their days were happiest when singing, dancing, and sharing their favorite treats of strawberries and grapes.

“Each carried a special sparkle: Kalani loved sunsets, Kendall adored rainbows, Josie never turned down pizza, and Sophia’s favorite was watching Bluey.

“They loved their church, their friends, and their family deeply, and though their time here was far too short, their love and light will forever shine in the hearts of all who knew them.”