In the early hours of Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, a mobile-home fire erupted on Knight Drive near Adams Avenue, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
The Incident
Firefighters arrived at about 4:42 a.m. to find the mobile home, a carport, three cars and two outbuildings fully engulfed in flames. Fire Chief Bernard Molloy described the scene: “We had fire coming out of every window and every door, so the inside of the structure was already completely on fire,” he told reporters.
The blaze was described as fast-moving and intense, consuming the mobile home and the cars in a single, relentless sweep.
Casualties and Survivors
City officials did not confirm the names of the two deceased girls, but signs outside the home read, “Rest in peace, Abby and Emma. We will miss you guys so much,” indicating the victims were named Abby and Emma. Fire officials reported that three family members were accounted for and taken to a local hospital, while multiple household pets were also killed in the fire.
Witness Accounts
A neighbor, Carlos Gonzalez, spoke to NBC Los Angeles about the horror he saw: “I ran out. I looked in between the condos, and I could see the flame and the embers reaching straight up,” he said. Gonzalez noted that one of the victims was 11 years old and emphasized the close-knit nature of the community, adding, “It’s heartbreaking. They are so young. They were just babies. It hit close to home, having a kid the same age that went to school with them.”
Community Response
On Monday, residents and community members, including Pat Dunnagan, continued to drop off fresh flowers and candles for the grieving family. Dunnagan reflected, “It’s just just a chance to reflect and ask myself what’s really important, with all the stuff going on in the world and all the hate that’s ever spewing,” she said. “And then to have somebody so close to you that’s lost their lives and obviously at home … (The family) is getting a lot of support.”
Fire Chief Molloy also spoke about the emotional toll on first responders: “We have a job to do, but it does have real human impacts on our firefighters who are there working and doing the work,” he said.
Official Statements
Mayor Jon Levell released a statement offering condolences: “On behalf of the entire Murrieta community, the city extends its sympathy to the local family that tragically lost two children in the residential structure fire that occurred on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, and all their friends and loved ones,” Mayor Levell said. “It’s been tremendous to see the outpouring of community support for the family in their time of need.”
Investigation
The Murrieta Fire Department announced that the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Key Takeaways
- Two girls, Abby and Emma, died in a mobile-home fire on Dec. 20, 2025.
- The blaze consumed the mobile home, cars, and outbuildings, killing multiple pets.
- Firefighters, community members, and officials are supporting the grieving family amid an ongoing investigation.
The tragedy has united Murrieta in grief, support, and a shared hope for answers about what sparked the devastating fire.
