2 siblings who died in Lacey fire on Tuesday remembered as ‘kind, active,’ neighbor says
Correction: The first name of a 17-year-old boy who died Tuesday morning in a mobile home fire is Niland. His name was misspelled at a memorial that had sprouted at the burn site.
A brother and sister who died this week in a mobile home fire were remembered as kind and active, a neighbor told The Olympian on Wednesday.
The fire was reported at the Edgelake Mobile Home Park early Tuesday morning and it killed the boy, Niland, 17, and girl, Emma, 10, according to Lacey police. Their mother, Sarah Bullington, who has been identified via a Go Fund Me campaign, managed to escape the blaze.
Bullington was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where she has been treated and released, spokeswoman Susan Gregg said Wednesday.
Thurston County Coroner Gary Warnock has tentatively identified the two children, but still does not have positive identification, he said. However, The Olympian visited the Edgelake Mobile Home Park on Wednesday and discovered a memorial dedicated to the two children that has sprouted on the burned site.
Neighbor Angela Criscola, who has lived in the area for 25 years, said the girl, who was named Emerson but who everyone called Emma, was tiny but active, and her brother was big, tall and kind. They were a good family and they had a good mother, she said.
Criscola brought vases and flowers to the memorial. “It’s a really sad situation,” she said.
Another neighbor, Joe Sullivan, said his son, his wife and his granddaughter lived in that same mobile home until they sold it to Bullington. His daughter-in-law has been distraught by the news, he said.
Sullivan has lived there for 20 years. At one time, the mobile home park was restricted to those 55 and older, but now it’s open to all ages. There are lots of kids and lots of retirees, he said.
Fires are rare, but emergency services are common because of the older residents, he said.
Go Fund Me
A Go Fund Me campaign has been launched by Bullington’s employer, Harbors Home Health & Hospice in Hoquiam. As of Wednesday evening, the campaign had raised more than $19,000 of a $50,000 goal.
“On Tuesday, May 27th, our dear friend and colleague Sarah Bullington experienced an unimaginable tragedy when a fire consumed her home,” the post reads. “The devastating blaze claimed the lives of her two beloved children and cherished pets. In addition to this heartbreaking loss, Sarah lost all of her personal belongings.”
David Quigg, interim CEO at Harbors Home, said Sarah is a certified nursing assistant and bath aid who has worked there for five years. The company serves patients in their homes, either those dealing with an illness or injury or who need hospice care. Bullington works there and so did her mother, Lisa, for 20 years, he said.
He called the fire a “horrible tragedy.” In addition to the online campaign, employees also can donate vacation time or make other donations by cash, check or gift card, he said.
Quigg said Bullington does not need to worry about her job.
“We will always be here to support her,” he said.
North Thurston Public Schools responds
Edgelake Mobile Home Park is not far from Mountain View Elementary in Lacey, and on Wednesday the school released a message to parents and families about the situation.
“It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of one of our Mountain View students over the weekend. Our hearts go out to the family and to all who are affected by this tragic loss.
“Our district staff and teachers have been meeting to ensure that appropriate support services are in place for our students. We understand that this news may be difficult for many, and we are committed to providing care and support during this challenging time.
“When students return to school, staff will begin the day by checking in with their classes to ensure everyone feels supported and knows where to go if they need help. Counseling and mental health supports will continue to be provided to students as needed.”
School officials said that a version of the same message would be shared with students.
“We are very sorry to share that a classmate in our Mountain View community has passed away. When things like this happen, people have all kinds of reactions — shock, sadness, fear, anger, or sometimes no feelings at all. These reactions may come and go over the next few days. Some of us may want to be private with our feelings, and others may want to talk.
“We have mental health and grief support staff spaces available in the library, counselor’s office and the main office. Please speak with your teacher or a trusted adult if you need support or would like to talk.”
The fire
Lacey Fire District 3 responded to the blaze just after 2 a.m. Tuesday, knocked down the flames and then fought it defensively to prevent the fire from spreading to other mobile homes, which are spaced close together.
The cause and origin of the fire is still under investigation, Lacey Fire Chief Jennifer Schmidt said. The fire was reported by a resident across from the one that burned. The Olympian visited that unit, but the resident was not home.
Neighbor Criscola said the fire “went up hot and fast.”
“When they go, they go,” Sullivan added.
Criscola said she saw Bullington Tuesday night and it appeared her face and hair had been singed by the blaze. Her understanding of events is that Bullington ran around to the back of the mobile home and banged on the door, screaming for her children to get out of the residence.
Emma’s room was near that back door, she said.
This story was originally published May 29, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
