CHEROKEE COUNTY, S.C. — Tragedy struck early Sunday morning when a house fire claimed the lives of four family members in Gaffney, South Carolina.

Officials say the blaze broke out inside a one-story wood-frame home on East Third Street shortly before 1:40 a.m.

According to the Cherokee County Coroner’s Office, one resident, identified as Kathy Shippy, managed to escape the burning home and ran across the street to alert a neighbor and call 911.

Surveillance footage from the neighbor’s doorbell camera captured the home already fully engulfed in flames by the time the call was made.

Coroner Dennis Fowler identified the victims as:

• Willie Morris, 38
• Dakeyia Shippy, 25
• Mason Issac, 4
• Jerekry McGill, 7 months
  All were residents of the home and relatives of the survivor.

Preliminary findings suggest the fire began after Morris attempted to refuel a kerosene heater inside the home, which caused the blaze to ignite suddenly and spread rapidly.

“All four victims were found on the floor of the kitchen at the rear of the house and appeared to have been trying to escape through a window when they were overcome by smoke,” the coroner’s office reported.

Autopsies are scheduled to determine the precise causes of death and assist investigators in confirming the fire’s origin.

Gaffney Fire Chief Jamie Caggiano urged the public to use extreme caution when operating space or kerosene heaters.

“Never attempt to refuel a heater indoors or while it is still hot,” Chief Caggiano said, emphasizing fire safety during colder months.

The incident remains under joint investigation by the Gaffney Fire Marshal’s Office, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

Authorities described the loss as “heartbreaking” and extended condolences to the family and community members affected by the tragedy.