Four dead, including a young child and a baby, in a house fire in South Carolina.

A tragic incident unfolded in Gaffney, South Carolina, early Sunday, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including an infant and a four-year-old child. The fire erupted around 1:40 a.m., reportedly following an attempt to refuel a kerosene heater, according to information shared by local authorities.

The only survivor of this devastating fire, Kathy Shippy, fled the engulfed home and sought help from a neighbor, who promptly contacted emergency services. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find the house fully ablaze, with visual evidence captured by a doorbell camera.

The victims have been identified as Willie Morris, aged 38; Dakeyia Shippy, aged 25; four-year-old Mason Issac; and seven-month-old Jerekry McGill. While the exact nature of their relationships has not been clarified, reports indicate that they all resided together in the same household.

Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler disclosed that Morris was reportedly attempting to refuel the kerosene heater at the time of the incident. Tragically, the victims were discovered in the kitchen area, positioned on the floor and appeared to have been attempting to escape through a window when they succumbed to smoke inhalation.

In light of this heartbreaking event, the Gaffney City Fire Department has underscored the critical importance of fire safety. They are urging residents to familiarize themselves with safe heating practices, particularly as colder months approach. The department expressed their condolences in a statement, emphasizing the need to avoid filling kerosene heaters indoors.

Moreover, officials have recommended that residents review fire safety protocols and engage with educational materials, especially as October marks Fire Prevention Month. The fire department highlighted the community’s need to be proactive about safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

The Gaffney Police Department also called on the community to extend thoughts and prayers to the families affected by this catastrophic incident. Investigations are being conducted by the Cherokee County Coroner’s Office, the Fire Marshal, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, with autopsies scheduled to determine the exact causes of death.

Gaffney, a city with a population of approximately 12,500, is located about 110 miles northwest of Columbia, South Carolina’s capital. Recognized as the “Peach Capital of South Carolina,” Gaffney is home to various cultural landmarks, including the distinctive Peachoid water tower. This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for vigilance during the winter season.

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