A North Carolina community is reeling after the loss of four young girls. Due to unknown reasons, their home caught fire in the middle of the night. Although the oldest sister and another girl were able to get out, the house fire was too severe for the younger children to escape. Despite the best efforts of the firefighters who showed up, there was no way the little girls could have been saved. In light of the shocking tragedy, the community is coming together to support the devastated family.
Around 2:30 a.m. August 30, 2025, a house fire broke out at in Chadborn, North Carolina, Columbus County Fire Marshal Shannon Blackman told WNCN. Two 12-year-old girls were able to escape the home and call 911. One of the girls explained that she lived in the home and that her four younger siblings were inside.
“When the first deputy arrived on scene nine minutes after the initial call, the residence was fully engulfed in flames. Due to the severity of the fire, it was not possible to make a safe entry into the home,” the Columbus County Sheriff’s Department explained in a statement. No adults were in the home at the time of the fire.
“Our community is facing an unimaginable tragedy. We ask that everyone join together in support of the family and loved ones affected by this devastating loss,” Blackman and Sheriff Bill Rogers said in a joint statement, per WNCN. “The thoughts and prayers of our agencies are with them during this extremely difficult time.”
At the time of the initial release, the names of the four young girls were not given, but an article about the fire by the Columbia County News released their names. Kalani Rae Melvin, Kendall Xaiya Melvin, Josephina Renee Melvin, and Sophia Nachelle Melvin ranged in age from 2 to 7. Their 12-year-old sister was identified as Winter Green.
“Kalani, Kendall, Josie, and Sophie were bright lights who brought joy to everyone around them,” their obituary reads. “They loved being outdoors, whether at the pool, the beach, or soaking up the sunshine, and their laughter filled every space with warmth. Their days were happiest when singing, dancing, and sharing their favorite treats of strawberries and grapes.”
It continued, “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.”
Ahead of their funeral, the girls’ father, Patrick Ellis, released a statement shared by the Columbus County News.
“I want to sincerely thank the people of Chadbourn and the surrounding communities for the incredible love, prayers, and support you have shown my family during this devastating time,” he said via the family’s representative. “Your compassion has been a comfort to us as we grieve the loss of my four children. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we walk through this unimaginable loss.”
Officials have not announced any charges in the fire.
