The State Fire Marshal’s Office says the fire that claimed the life of a disabled Cornelia woman and her family’s pets will likely be ruled accidental.
Investigators say it appears the fire started in the area of the stove in the kitchen.
79-year-old Jean Sensow died in the fire. Her body was sent to the GBI Crime Lab for autopsy. An official ruling will be made on the fire when the autopsy results are back, the State Fire Marshal’s Office says.
Habersham County Deputy Coroner Ken Franklin said immediately following the fire that it appeared Sensow died from smoke inhalation.
A call for help
The deadly blaze broke out shortly before 7 p.m. Friday, June 28, at the home of Tammy Sensow at 961 Lakeview Heights Southeast in Cornelia. Sensow was not at home when the fire started but her mother, Jean, and her 18-year-old daughter were.
Jean Sensow was on the sofa in the den when the fire started. She was unable to walk and her granddaughter was unable to get her out of the house. The granddaughter called 911. Habersham County Deputy Coroner Ken Franklin says firefighters arrived quickly but were unable to reach Sensow before she died.
A Demorest firefighter was injured while trying to reach her. Capt. Rob Stein of Demorest Fire Station 5 suffered burns to his wrist and back when part of the ceiling fell on top of him.
Demorest Mayor Rick Austin says the fire burned through Capt. Stein’s gear. Stein was treated and released from Habersham Medical Center. “He is resting at home and full recovery is expected,” says Austin. “Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are extended to family and friends of Mrs. Sensow during this time of loss.”
RELATED: Online fundraiser for family displaced by fatal fire
Firefighters from Habersham County, Demorest, Cornelia, and Lee Arrendale State Prison responded to the scene and remained on site for several hours.
“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are extended to family and friends of Mrs. Sensow during this time of loss.” – Demorest Mayor Rick Austin
Investigators with the Safety Fire Commissioner’s Office assisted the Habersham County Fire Department, City of Demorest Fire Department, and Habersham County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation. They say no working detectors were present in the home at the time of the fire.
Help for the family
The American Red Cross was called in on the night of the fire to assist the family.
One of Tammy Sensow’s co-workers says Sensow did not have any insurance on the home. Jennifer Roberts set up a Go Fund Me account to help the family with funeral expenses and to help them get back on their feet.
If you’d like to donate, click here.
Updated 7/1/19@5:45pm
