Young couple loses nearly everything in Wilmington Island apartment fire, mourns loss of neighbors

by Stephanie Adkisson

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Flames engulfed Building ‘N’ at The Commons on Wilmington Island just after midnight Saturday night, into Sunday morning.

The fire claimed two lives, a mother and daughter, Paula O’Brien and Karoline Motley.

Fire at Wilmington Island complex claims the life of mother and daughter Sunday morning

One resident of building ‘N’ told WTOC they are fortunate they were not home at the time of the fire, but distraught about losing their home.

“I’m still in shock, I can’t believe all my things are gone,” said Ariel Vizcarra.

Vizcarra was visiting her family for the holiday, but her whole life changed after opening Facebook on Sunday morning.

“My hands were shaking, I felt like I wanted to cry, throw up,” said Vizcarra.

Vizcarra told WTOC that after she learned it was her building that caught fire, she and her boyfriend rushed home, saying the drive was hardly bearable.

Neighbors at The Commons on Wilmington Island devastated by fire

“This is the first home that I’ve ever owned, and I can’t even recognize it, I mean, I walk in, and it’s nothing like it was before,” said Vizcarra.

Vizcarra, seeing what used to be home, was devastated by the fire’s destruction.

“Everything’s ruined, and everything is covered in roofing,” said Vizcarra.

The nightmare for Vizcarra only continued after learning her neighbor and friend, Paula O’Brien, and Paula’s daughter, Karoline Motley, had died.

“I was very close to her, that’s another thing I don’t feel is real, I see her every day, I say hey to her every day, she was a great neighbor,’ her and I would gossip, share the tea, talk to each other, ya know, she was a very good friend,” said Vizcarra.

Wilmington Island fire kills mother and daughter, displaces 10. The cause is still under investigation.

The devastation for Vizcarra only continued after not being able to find her fur-baby, DJ.

She’s asking her community for help trying to find the kitten.

“I still feel like it’s not real, when I turn and look at it… It’s crazy," said Vizcarra.

WTOC also spoke with the HOA president, who shared a statement with us:

“As you may already be aware, there was a tragic incident at the N building last night, our hearts and prayers go out to all the residents of the N building. We are deeply grateful to the neighbors who stepped up to help by providing support during this difficult time.”
The Commons at Wilmington Island HOA

The cause of the fire remains unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.

Vizcarra and The Commons are so grateful for their community’s support during this unimaginable time.