Columbus County, NC – Four young girls tragically lost their lives in a house fire in rural Columbus County after being left in the care of an 11-year-old sibling, authorities said. Two other children managed to escape the flames unharmed.
Fire Erupts in Rural Home
The devastating fire occurred on Aug. 30 at a home on North Colony Road. The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a structure fire “with entrapments.” A female caller reportedly told deputies that four children remained inside the burning home.
According to authorities, the first deputy arrived nine minutes after the call, but the residence was already fully engulfed in flames. The fire’s intensity prevented officers from making a safe entry to rescue the children.
Victims Identified
The four girls who perished were 2, 4, 6, and 7 years old, as reported by Raleigh CBS affiliate WNCN. Two 11-year-old girls were able to escape the blaze without serious injuries. The children left behind were under the supervision of one of the 11-year-olds at the time, as their mother had left the home.
Mother Faces Charges
Reagan Powers, 28, has been charged with four counts each of involuntary manslaughter and negligent child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury, according to court records. Arrest warrants indicate that Powers left the younger children in the care of an 11-year-old while she left the property for an unknown location.
Powers was booked into the Columbus County Detention Center on Wednesday with a $400,000 bond and reportedly bonded out soon after. She was scheduled to appear in court the following Thursday at 3 p.m.
Community Reacts to Tragedy
Sheriff Bill Rogers and Fire Marshal Shannon Blackman released a joint statement acknowledging the heartbreak caused by the tragedy:
“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.”
Investigation Underway
The fire is under investigation by multiple agencies, including the Columbus County Fire Marshal’s Office, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, and the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).
As of the latest update, investigators have not determined a conclusive cause of ignition. Authorities noted that there is no evidence suggesting the fire was intentionally set, and the exact source remains unknown.
“During an extensive scene examination and investigative efforts, no conclusive source of ignition has been identified,” the sheriff’s office said.
Safety Reminder
Authorities urge caregivers to ensure young children are never left unsupervised near potential fire hazards and to have proper smoke alarms and emergency plans in place.
This tragedy has sparked conversations across Columbus County about child supervision and fire safety measures, particularly in rural areas where emergency response times may be longer.
Support for the Community
Local leaders are encouraging residents to offer support to affected families and to remain vigilant about safety practices at home.
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