Four-year-old Kiana-lee ‘Kiki’ Wallace died in a tragic house fire, leaving her family shattered with grief

The devastated family of Kiana-Lee Wallace, a four-year-old girl who tragically lost her life in a house fire in Lynemouth, Northumberland, has paid tribute to their “smiling star.”

Known lovingly as Kiki, the little girl was declared dead at the scene on Monday evening after flames engulfed her family home on Kingsley Road. Her mother and two-year-old sister managed to escape with injuries, but Kiki did not make it out.

In a heartbreaking statement, the grieving family expressed their sorrow:

“We are absolutely broken as a family to have lost our beloved Kiki (Kiana-Lee) in this tragic way. She is the biggest smiling star in our lives.”

Kiki’s mother, who is in her 20s, later took to social media to share her pain, posting photos of her daughter alongside a gut-wrenching message:

“I miss you, baby girl. Fly high and rest easy, my gorgeous angel.”

The young girl is believed to have been named after her aunt, who has been gathering donations for Kiki’s mother and sister after their home was completely destroyed by the fire.

A Heroic but Heartbreaking Rescue Attempt

As the fire tore through the house, neighbour Steven Common, 58, risked his life in a desperate bid to save Kiki. Armed with a wet tea towel, he crawled through the flames on his knees, trying to reach the little girl.

His partner, Karen Coulson, 68, recalled the harrowing moments to MailOnline:

“He got to the sofa but had to stop because of the heat, and the ceiling was falling down.”

She described the mother’s distress as she realised her child was still trapped inside.

“The mother was really distressed. I asked her where her child was—she told me she was in the kitchen. I told Steven, and we got the house pipe and tried to put it out. It was horrible because we knew she was inside, but we couldn’t do anything.”

Despite brave efforts from Steven and others in the community, the flames spread too fast, blocking escape routes and trapping Kiki inside.

Shockwaves Through the Community

Residents of Lynemouth have been left shaken by the tragedy.

Local shopkeeper Mr Gill, of Gills Store, described the shock and grief felt throughout the village:

“It’s really terrible, terrible. I’m very shocked. It’s really shocked all the village, everybody.”

Outside the charred remains of the family’s home, neighbours and friends have left tributes to Kiki, describing her as “happy and smiley,” “precious,” and “forever young.”

Ongoing Investigation

Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins, who is leading the investigation, extended her deepest condolences to Kiki’s grieving family.

“First and foremost, our thoughts are with Kiana-Lee’s loved ones and friends at this tragic time. We would ask that their privacy at this incredibly difficult time is respected as they grieve.”

Authorities are still working to determine the exact cause of the fire, with forensic teams continuing their investigation at the scene.

“Our work at the scene continues, and we are still keen to hear from anyone who has information which may help our inquiries. We also ask people to avoid speculation both online and in the community following such a tragic incident.”

As the investigation unfolds, Kiki’s family is left to grapple with an unimaginable loss. Their bright, smiling star may be gone, but her memory will forever shine in the hearts of those who loved her.