My little sister, Sibley Myers, needs your help after losing her home and everything she owned in a devastating fire early Friday morning, October 31, 2025, in Five Points South, Birmingham, AL.

At around 5:30 A.M., Sibley woke up to get ready for work. She heard sirens and smelled smoke, and she immediately woke her two roommates, Mollie and Kate. Looking out their window, they saw a small blaze at the long-vacant home next door. Authorities on scene told them the fire was under control and that evacuation wasn’t necessary – but moments later, they were pounding on the door, shouting for everyone to get out.

Sibley grabbed her cat, Spuddy, helped her roommate, Mollie, corral her newly adopted kitten, Teensie, and ran outside with only their wallets, car keys, and the clothes on their backs. When they returned after moving their cars (as instructed), their apartment was engulfed in flames. They watched helplessly as everything they owned burned.

We are endlessly grateful that Sibley and her roommates made it out safely with their animals. Still, she is heartbroken to have lost irreplaceable family heirlooms, beloved mementos, and a home she adored. She was left with no clothing, toiletries, furniture, or essentials—not even a winter coat or cat food for Spuddy.

The outpouring of kindness from friends, neighbors, and strangers has meant everything. From the man who saw Sibley sobbing in front of what was left of her home and handed her the cash in his wallet, to the Ulta employee who offered to do her makeup, to the person who quietly gave her tissues in a Target parking lot – your compassion is carrying her through. However, she still needs the community’s help! Every donation will go directly toward helping Sibley rebuild her life: replacing daily necessities, securing a new home, and slowly putting her world back together. No donation is too small!

For other ways to contribute (clothing, furniture, Venmo donations, etc.), please message me or visit my pinned post on Facebook (@Caroline Myers).

What makes this loss even harder to accept is that residents had raised concerns about the vacant home next door and even activity in their apartment building’s basement long before the fire. Complaints were made to their realty company (H2 Realty), to the owner of the vacant home, to the real estate agents attempting to sell it, and even to the city of Birmingham. Little was done to address the safety risks that residents saw unfolding right beside their homes.

As of Monday, November 3, the cause of the fire has been ruled Second Degree (Intentional) Arson, and police have an individual in custody.

Adding to the heartbreak, it took the Birmingham Fire Department over 24 hours to fully extinguish the flames. It’s devastating to know that more might have been saved had the blaze been contained sooner.

While our family hopes that these failures are brought to light and accountability is pursued, our immediate focus is on getting Sibley back on her feet. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your love, prayers, and generosity.