By Tanasia Kenney
The Charlotte Observer
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. — A family of five, including three children, died in an overnight fire that tore through their north Georgia home, firefighters said.
Whitfield County firefighters were called to the blaze at around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, in Cohutta, a city home to just over 760 residents near the Georgia - Tennessee state line.
In all, nine fire trucks and two battalion chiefs responded to the scene, the department said in a news release.
Someone in the house called 911, WTVC reported, citing county fire officials.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Brenda Sandifer, 74
- Brittany Sandifer, 26
- Joshua Sandifer, 5
- Jacob Sandifer, Jr., 4
- Legend Sandifer, 2
“On behalf of the Whitfield County Fire Department, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family who has experienced this unimaginable loss,” said Whitfield County Fire Chief Paul Patterson.
“We are fully committed to supporting the investigation into the cause of this fire,” he said.
A GoFundMe for the family described Brittany Sandifer as a “devoted” mom and caretaker to her mother-in-law, Brenda, who was battling cancer.
“Her love and dedication were a cornerstone of the family, and this heartbreaking loss has left a void that words cannot describe,” a family friend wrote on the fundraising page.
“The three children, full of joy and innocence, were the light of their father’s life and brought endless love to those around them,” it reads.
Another online fundraiser said Brittany’s husband, Jake Sandifer, was at work when the fire ripped through the trailer the family was renting.
Firefighters didn’t release additional details.
Cohutta is about a 30-mile drive southeast from Chattanooga, Tennessee.
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