DANVILLE (WSLS 10) - Investigators say the fire that killed two young girls in Danville was accidental and originated on the kitchen stove.
Makayla Davis, 10, and her 4-year-old sister, Destinee Adkins were killed in the fire in the 900 block of Halifax Road in Danville Wednesday evening around 11:00.
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Support for the family
Brittano's Lounge in Danville is holding a two-day benefit for Makayla and Destinee's family. Juliana Brittano said the benefit is meant to help the family and also uplift the community's spirit during this difficult time. There will be face painting and prizes for children at the event.
The event will be at Brittano's Lounge on April 2 at 5:00 p.m. and April 4 at 11:00 a.m.
A GoFundMe.com account has also been set up to provide support for the family.
The children
Dave Cochran with Danville Public Schools confirmed that 10-year-old Makayla went to E.A. Gibson Elementary School. Counselors were made available Thursday for students at the school.
Below is a statement sent to parents of students at E.A. Gibson Elementary.Destinee was also pronounced dead at Danville Regional Medical center.
Destinee went to Northside Preschool.
The fire
Neighbors had reported there were children trapped inside. Crews quickly began searching and were able to find the two children and get them out of the home. The children were taken by the Danville Life Saving crew to the hospital.
Neighbor Kevin Hoover worked to save the girls, but was unable to make it far enough in the flame englufed house to find them. He said you could hear the girls screaming from inside the home.
He sustained a hand injury while trying to save the girls. You can still see his blood on the outside bedroom window.
Neighbors said they heard no smoke detectors during the fire. They also said the family was having trouble with the kitchen stove shorting out the morning of the fire. Fire marshals have not confirmed these details, or if they are related to the cause of the fire.
The Danville Fire Department said they responded to the fire, where they found a one story home on fire with heavy smoke pouring out. Damage to the home was extensive. The Danville Fire Marshal's office is still investigating to determine what started the fire.
Letter to parents from E.A. Gibson Elementary Principal, Kim Agnor:
Dear Parents:
This morning we learned that one of our fifth grade students, Makayla Davis, died as a result of a house fire.
Today, at school, a short message was delivered to her classes. Children were informed briefly about what happened. Counselors were available throughout the day to talk with any student that may have had a particularly difficult time dealing with the news.
Any death is difficult for children to understand. Makayla's death is particularly difficult due to her young age and its unexpectedness. We recommend that you take some time to discuss this tragedy with your child. We suggest allowing your child to talk about how he/she feels and any fears or concerns he/she may have as a result of this news.
If you feel your child would benefit from talking with a guidance counselor, please call the school and state your concerns.
The faculty, staff, and students extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family and to all her friends. We, at Gibson Elementary School, will miss her.
Sincerely,
Ms. Kim Agnor
Principal