In a devastating incident just 10 days before Christmas, a fire ignited by a Christmas tree destroyed a family home in Southern California, claiming the lives of two young sisters, ages 2 and 7. The heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded on December 14 when the fire broke out, leaving the parents, Charmon and Akeem Isom, fighting desperately to save their precious daughters.
Charmon recalled the horrifying moments, saying, “You run, and you try to do as much as you can. Bust windows, run in, try and get in, try and get under the fire.” Despite their courageous efforts, they were unable to rescue their youngest daughter, Aalijah. Tragically, her sister Annie passed away a week later due to the severe burns.
The Barstow Fire Department responded swiftly, arriving within minutes of receiving multiple reports of children trapped inside the engulfed home. Firefighters courageously entered through two separate bedroom windows, successfully rescuing the children and handing them over to waiting ambulances.
The loss of Aalijah and Annie has plunged their parents into unimaginable grief. Charmon shared her sentiments in a heartfelt GoFundMe plea created to cover the funeral costs and help the family find a new home. She describes the girls as “cherished angels” and emphasizes the profound impact they had on their family, saying, “Our family’s bond was a tapestry of love, inseparable and woven with unconditional affection.”
The devastated parents are receiving an outpouring of support from their community. At a vigil held on December 23, Akeem addressed the crowd, sharing his pain and acknowledging that no amount of money or possessions could ever fill the void left by the loss of his children.
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. However, it was discovered that the home lacked a smoke detector, depriving the family of a crucial warning. Charmon expressed her shock, saying, “It wasn’t like you heard an alarm system and you try to get everybody out, like hey, hey let’s go. We didn’t have a warning.”
Our hearts go out to the Isom family as they navigate this difficult time. The holiday season will forever be marked by this tragic event, but we hope that their cherished memories bring them some solace. Let us come together to support this grieving family and keep them in our thoughts.
