Kingsport, TN House Fire on Christmas Day Kills 11- and 9-Year-Old Sisters Riley and Maggie Blevins; Mother Nicole Dockins Blevins Critically Injured

A tragic house fire on Christmas morning in Kingsport, Sullivan County, Tennessee, has claimed the lives of two young sisters and left their mother with catastrophic injuries.

The victims have been identified as Riley Blevins, 11, and Maggie Blevins, 9. Their mother, Nicole Dockins Blevins, attempted to save her daughters during the blaze but sustained severe injuries and is now receiving treatment in a North Carolina ICU burn unit.

Authorities reported that fire crews responded around 6:15 a.m. Thursday to a call regarding a house fire on the 600 block of West Valley Drive. Despite the rapid response from Sullivan West, Warriors Path, and Fall Branch Fire Departments, along with Sullivan County EMS, the two girls tragically did not survive.

Family members described Nicole Blevins’ injuries as extensive, including broken ribs, a collapsed lung, a broken clavicle, a fractured back, second-degree burns to her face, third-degree burns from neck to lower body, and burned hair. She also required a feeding tube and may face a long recovery involving multiple surgeries and skin grafts. Nicole reportedly had to jump from a second-story window to escape the fire.

The family’s home and vehicle were destroyed in the blaze, leaving them without possessions or shelter. Loved ones have launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to assist with Nicole’s medical costs, long-term rehabilitation, and living expenses. As of Sunday morning, more than $140,000 had been raised.

The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that detectives are investigating the cause of the fire. No additional details have been released at this time.