Officials say a fire that forced a Habersham County family from their home appears to have started in the chimney. Brogan and Jacob King and their children are safe, but the blaze severely damaged their home and destroyed many of their belongings, as well as those of family members staying with them.
The fire broke out shortly after 8 p.m. on December 15 at the King’s residence at 428 Hollywood Hills Road. “My husband built a fire because we were expecting the freezing rain,” Brogan tells Now Habersham. Within thirty minutes, the fire meant to warm the house was burning it down. “It caught the chimney on fire and spread upstairs where our kids were,” she says.
Jacob King saw the black smoke on the second floor and told everyone to get out of the house. He and his wife attempted to save their home as their cousin, Brittany Godfrey, and eight children filed into the yard.
“They were calling 911 as we were trying to put the fire out,” recalls Brogan.
When firefighters arrived, heavy fire and smoke were pouring from the side of the 3,000-square-foot structure. Firefighters managed to keep the house from burning to the ground.
Although the house was insured, the family’s not yet sure if it’s salvageable. It was Brogan King’s dream house. The local paraprofessional chokes back tears talking about her family’s loss then quickly adds, “at least we’re all safe.”
Friends and colleagues eager to help the displaced families are reaching out to the community. They’re asking people to donate daily essentials such as toiletries, clothing, and shoes. Cash donations are also welcome.
Friends say their desire to help reflects the kind of people the Kings are. “They both are such kind-hearted people who really do for everyone,” says Melissa Eller. “If you asked them even now for anything, they would be there.”
The Red Cross is providing the families with some assistance. The eleven of them are temporarily living with Brogan’s dad while they look for a place to rent. Preferably “at least three bedrooms,” says Brogan “but we’ll do with what we can get.”
True to their character, in the aftermath of the devastating fire, the Kings were not thinking of themselves. They took to social media to find a home for their beloved dog, Rosie. “If anyone can please help us out and give her somewhere to call a home, we would greatly appreciate it,” wrote Brogan. Dozens of people responded with offers to care for the dog while the family gets back on their feet.
In a post to her Facebook page, Brogan expressed her gratitude for the community’s generous outpouring of concern and support.
“I just want to say that this world has some amazing souls in it and we are so very thankful for each and every one of you for everything you have done to donate and all of the prayers,” she wrote on Facebook. “KEEP THE PRAYERS COMING, we’re gonna need them.”
If you’d like to help the King and Godfrey families, here’s a list of items they need. You may drop off or mail donations to the address listed below.
