DELHI, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - In northern Merced County, many in the community of Delhi have been left heartbroken and shocked after three people, two small children and their father, perished along with their dog in an early morning fire Wednesday. "It definitely felt like a nightmare last night and it still feels like it is," said neighbor Daniela Lopez. "It is not ending. It just feels like, it just seems so unfair. I just can't get everything out of my head." Lopez and her family live next door to the residence where the fire broke out in a detached structure in the 9000 Block of Sands Rd. at around 1:30 a.m. The fire could be seen over their fence, immediately hitting home for the long-time family friends. "We've been neighbors for about 15 years. We've known them since [they were] little. They always spent time here," said Lopez. She says they were sound asleep when screams began to ring out from the mother of the children, who Lopez revealed were a boy and girl around the age of 10. She and her family rushed outside, saw the flames, and tried to do all they could. They quickly grabbed hoses and dialed 911. "I called minute after minute, I couldn't anymore," said Lopez. "To hear the scream." The students attended Delhi Unified, and they and their family touched many in the small community of nearly 11,000. From neighbors and friends to classmates, and even those with the Merced County Sheriff's Office. "I knew some of their family members myself. You know, our school resource officer, he's a local as well and he knew them personally and had interacted with the children," said Sgt. Michael Domingue, public information officer for the Merced County Sheriff's Office. Lopez meanwhile just gave advice to others affected by the unimaginable loss. "Just keep these kids in your memories. Keep their dad in your memories," she said. "Every little moment you guys have with them just cherish it, because tomorrow's not promised." Delhi Unified tells Yourcentralvalley.com that they will offer counseling services to students and staff as they look to help the family with the challenges of losing loved ones. In a statement, they say in part: Our thoughts and condolences go out to the affected family and all those impacted by this devastating event. During this difficult time, DUSD remains committed to supporting our students, staff, and the entire Delhi community as we navigate this tragedy together. In moments like these, we are reminded of the strength and resilience of the Delhi community. Together, we will support one another and honor the memory of those we have lost. Delhi Unified. For those who would like to help the family pay for funeral costs and additional expenses, their GoFundMe can be found here. The cause of the fire is under investigation.