Authorities in Sullivan County are continuing their investigation into a tragic house fire that occurred on Christmas morning, resulting in the deaths of two young sisters and leaving their mother in critical condition. The blaze, which broke out in the early hours of December 25, 2025, has left the tight-knit community of Kingsport grappling with profound loss as details emerge about the victims and the ongoing probe.
The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call around 6:15 a.m. reporting a residential fire at a home in the 600 block of West Valley Drive. Callers indicated that multiple individuals were trapped inside the structure. First responders, including firefighters from the Kingsport Fire Department, arrived to find the single-family home fully engulfed in flames. Efforts to control the fire were hampered by the intensity of the blaze, which produced thick smoke and high heat, complicating rescue operations.
Despite the heroic efforts of emergency personnel, two children were pronounced dead at the scene. The victims were identified as 11-year-old Riley Blevins and her 9-year-old sister, Maggie Blevins. Their mother, Nicole Dockins Blevins, 38, managed to escape the burning home but sustained severe burn injuries during her attempts to rescue her daughters. She was airlifted to a specialized burn intensive care unit at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she remains in critical but stable condition.
According to family members, Nicole Blevins repeatedly re-entered the home in a desperate bid to save her children, suffering extensive third-degree burns over a significant portion of her body. “She fought through the flames multiple times,” said Lacie Hafley, Nicole’s sister, in a statement shared on a GoFundMe page set up to support the family. “Her strength is incredible, but the road ahead is long.” As of January 2, the fundraising effort has raised over $200,000 to cover medical expenses, funeral costs, and other needs.
The girls’ father, Todd Blevins, was not at the home at the time of the fire. He has been by Nicole’s side at the hospital and released a brief statement through family representatives: “Riley and Maggie were our everything. We are devastated beyond words and appreciate the community’s support during this unimaginable time.”
Riley and Maggie were well-known in their community for their bright personalities and involvement in local activities. Riley, a fifth-grader at Boones Creek Elementary School in nearby Washington County, was an avid softball player and known for her leadership qualities. Teachers described her as responsible and always willing to help others. Maggie, a third-grader at the same school, enjoyed creative pursuits like drawing and dressing up, often bringing joy to her classmates with her cheerful demeanor. Both sisters were active in school events and had close bonds with friends and family.
School officials have responded swiftly to the tragedy. Washington County Schools Superintendent Jerry Boyd announced that counseling services would be available for students and staff upon their return from winter break. “These girls were cherished members of our school family,” Boyd said in a press release. “We are committed to providing the necessary support to help our community heal.” Frontier Health, a local mental health organization, is partnering with the district to offer grief counseling sessions.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). Detectives are examining potential factors such as electrical issues, heating sources, or holiday decorations, which are common contributors to winter fires. No evidence of foul play has been reported, and officials have emphasized that the probe is thorough but ongoing. “We are working diligently to determine the origin and cause,” said Sullivan County Sheriff Jeff Cassidy in a briefing. “Our thoughts are with the Blevins family during this difficult period.”
Fire investigators have noted that the home did not have working smoke detectors in all areas, though this has not been confirmed as a direct factor. The blaze spread rapidly, likely due to the early morning hour when occupants were asleep, a scenario that fire safety experts say increases fatality risks. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, house fires claim over 2,500 lives annually in the United States, with a spike during the winter months. Heating equipment is involved in one in every six home fires, and holiday decorations contribute to hundreds more.
In Kingsport, a city of about 55,000 residents in northeast Tennessee, the incident has prompted renewed calls for fire safety awareness. Local fire departments are urging residents to check smoke alarms, ensure clear escape routes, and avoid overloading electrical outlets—especially with Christmas lights and trees. “This tragedy underscores the importance of prevention,” said Kingsport Fire Chief Scott Boyd. “A working smoke detector can double your chances of survival.”
The community response has been overwhelming. A makeshift memorial has grown outside the charred remains of the home, with residents leaving flowers, stuffed animals, balloons in the girls’ favorite colors (pink and purple), and handwritten notes of condolence. Vigils have been held at local churches, drawing hundreds of mourners. “Kingsport is a family-oriented town,” said one neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous. “Losing these girls on Christmas Day hits everyone hard. We’re rallying around the family.”
Businesses and organizations have stepped up to provide aid. Several local restaurants are donating proceeds from sales to the GoFundMe, and the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce is coordinating supply drives for essentials like clothing and household items. “The outpouring of support shows the heart of this community,” said Chamber President Miles Burdine.
This incident echoes other holiday tragedies across the nation. In 2024, a similar Christmas fire in Georgia claimed three lives due to faulty wiring in holiday lights. Nationally, the National Fire Protection Association reports that U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 160 home fires per year started by Christmas trees alone. Experts recommend watering live trees daily, keeping them away from heat sources, and unplugging lights when unattended.
As the investigation progresses, forensic teams are analyzing debris for clues. Electrical engineers and arson investigators from the TBI are involved, using advanced techniques like gas chromatography to detect accelerants, though none are suspected at this point. The home, a modest ranch-style structure built in the 1970s, showed signs of rapid fire spread through the attic, according to preliminary reports.
Nicole Blevins’ recovery will be arduous. Burn specialists at Wake Forest explain that third-degree burns require multiple surgeries, including skin grafts, and carry risks of infection and long-term scarring. Psychological support will also be crucial, as survivors often face PTSD from such events. Family members report that Nicole is responsive but heavily sedated to manage pain.
The Blevins family has deep roots in the Tri-Cities region, encompassing Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol. Todd Blevins works in construction, while Nicole was employed as a medical assistant before the fire. The girls were involved in youth sports and church activities, attending services at a local Baptist congregation where a special memorial service is planned for next week.
In broader context, Tennessee has seen a decline in traffic fatalities but continues to battle home fire deaths. State fire marshal data indicates over 100 fire-related fatalities in 2025, with many preventable through basic safety measures. Governor Bill Lee issued a statement expressing condolences and encouraging Tennesseans to prioritize fire safety.
As Kingsport begins the new year in mourning, the focus remains on healing and prevention. “We can’t bring Riley and Maggie back,” said Sheriff Cassidy, “but we can learn from this to protect others.” The community vows to remember the sisters not for their tragic end, but for the joy they brought.
Fox News will continue to monitor developments in this case.
