Early Sunday in Henry County, a rental home went up in flames and two families found themselves suddenly living out of hotel rooms instead of kids’ bedrooms and a playroom. Between them, 11 children are now displaced, and the parents say they are staring at a long list of losses, from clothes and toys to basic bedding, with no clear timeline for when life might feel normal again.
Families say fire started in garage, tore through playroom
According to WSB‑TV, the Fitch and Bennett families said the fire began in the garage near their Kia Sorento, then burned through the children’s playroom before spreading through the rest of the house. Fire crews put out the blaze, but the structure was left unsafe to live in.
The families told WSB‑TV they are now paying for hotel rooms while investigators work to determine the cause and insurance companies review the damage. They also said they had submitted multiple maintenance requests to their landlord before the fire and that many of their belongings are now gone.
Parents describe frantic escape with 11 kids and a dog
Alicia Fitch told WSB‑TV that getting everyone out as the fire spread was nothing short of frantic. “It was chaos,” she said, recalling the scramble as adults rushed children out of the house.
Her husband, Matthew Fitch, told WSB‑TV that “your sense of safety and stability burns away” when you watch your home and possessions go up in smoke. The families said they were able to get all 11 children and their dog out safely, but that most of what they owned did not make it out with them.
Investigators and insurers now in the spotlight
As with most major house fires, insurance companies are expected to wait for official findings on the origin and cause of the blaze before issuing large payments. Adjusters typically document the damage room by room and then review investigators’ reports.
Progressive advises policyholders to contact their insurer as soon as possible, save receipts for hotel stays and other living expenses, and keep evidence of damaged property to help move the claim along. According to the insurer, families who run into disputes over coverage can consider getting help from a public adjuster or an attorney to navigate the process.
Where displaced families can turn for help
The American Red Cross offers emergency shelter, financial assistance and recovery planning for people forced out of their homes by fire. The organization notes that local charities and churches often step in too, especially when families need children’s clothing, school items and baby supplies.
For immediate support, the American Red Cross recommends contacting a local chapter or visiting its home fire recovery pages for guidance on temporary shelter, cleanup and caring for kids and pets after a fire. Local social service agencies and school officials can also help families sort out short-term housing and schooling logistics for displaced children.
