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‘It’s absolutely heartbreaking’: South Georgia family trying to rebuild after losing home in fire

ST. GEORGE, GA – A family in South Georgia is trying to rebuild a week after a fire destroyed their home as one of the residents starts chemo treatments.

The home, located in St. George, GA, located 20 minutes from Macclenny, had flames and smoke coming out of it from all sides.

Home engulfed in flames (Copyright 2024 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.)

Kayla Albertson is the daughter of the homeowners Tony and Molly Wagers.

Her parents, son, and brother were all home when the fire started and got out unharmed.

“It’s absolutely heartbreaking,” Albertson said.

Albertson said the fire is believed to have started from an electrical issue.

She said her parents lived on a fixed income and had to stop paying for homeowners insurance because they couldn’t afford to pay it and the mortgage.

The homeowner’s insurance was more than half of the mortgage payment.

Alberson said the saddest part about this is her mom has cancer and starts chemo on Monday.

While undergoing the six-week treatment, doctors advised the family she stay someplace clean.

That means the motel her parents are staying in since the fire won’t cut it.

They’ve started raising money and they were able to purchase a used RV at a deep discount. It still needs a lot of work done to it to live in.

“We’ve got a soft spot in the walls back here and some soft spots in the ceiling,” Albertson said.

The family is hoping to have the RV fixed in two weeks so the parents can move in.

Nancy Wagers Anderson is the sister of Tony Wagers and she said he is starting to lighten up, which is a good sign.

Although this happened, they said they’re going to lean on their faith to get them through this difficult time.

They believe this because while all their belongings burned in the fire, the bible remained untouched.

“My parents and my son all deserve, they’re great people and we’re just trying to give them everything that we can,” Albertson said.

Click here to donate to the family’s GoFundMe.


About the Author
Khalil Maycock headshot

Khalil Maycock joined the News4JAX team in November 2022 after reporting in Des Moines, IA.

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