Overview
- The early Sunday blaze on East 3rd Street killed Willie Morris, 38, Dakeyia Shippy, 25, 4-year-old Mason Issac and 7-month-old Jerekry McGill.
- Survivor Kathy Shippy fled and asked a neighbor to call 911 at 1:40 a.m., and doorbell video showed the home already fully engulfed.
- Gaffney Fire Chief Jamie Caggiano said a small fire started as occupants tried to refill a kerosene heater and it intensified rapidly.
- Officials reported an estimated 15–20 minute gap between the initial flare-up and the emergency call, complicating rescue efforts.
- The coroner, the Gaffney Fire Marshal and SLED are investigating, autopsies are scheduled, and authorities are urging residents not to refill heaters indoors and to call 911 immediately for any fire.