Coweta County fatal fire: Fire started in garage, victims identified
COWETA COUNTY, Ga. - The massive fire that destroyed a home, killed six family members and injured five others in Coweta County on June 17 appears to have started in the home's garage, according to the Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire.
"Out of the 11 occupants, five were able to escape and were transported to Grady Hospital for treatment," said Commissioner King. "The remaining occupants were declared deceased on scene. Upon initial examination, the fire appears to have started in the garage area of the structure. This fire remains under investigation, though we do not suspect any foul play at this time."
That’s consistent with what arriving firefighters had said initially. The left side of the house where the garage was fully engulfed and they started their attack at the center to buy time for those on the right side of the home.
The cause and manner of the fire remains under investigation, but no evidence of foul play have been found.
The fire started at approximately 4:48 a.m. Upon arrival, the fire department found approximately half of the structure on fire.
The six fatalities included an elderly man and woman, both 74; a 36-year-old woman; and three boys, ages 13, 12 and 6.
Five additional family members were transported to a local hospital. A family friend recently told the local newspaper that the youngest children who survived the fire have been released from the hospital.
Victims of deadly Coweta County house fire identified
Firefighters battle a deadly house fire at a home along Macedonia Road near Roscoe Road in Newnan on June 17, 2024. (FOX 5)
Neighbors say the family of Oscar and Kayla Bonner lived at the home.
Coweta County Coroner Richard Hawk released the names of those killed in the fire on Thursday:
- Ernest Horton, age 74
- Fannie Horton, age 74
- Colton Bonner, age 6
- Katie Bonner, age 36
- Jared Bonner, age 12
- Jonathon Bonner, age 13
Many members of the community have stepped up to help the family since the fire.
Macedonia Baptist Church has been accepting donations. That is where the children living in the home recently attended Vacation Bible School.
Church volunteer Donna Rainey tells FOX 5 the response was incredible, and the family’s needs were tremendous.
On Wednesday, the Newnan Police Department posted a message on Facebook saying that the family didn't need any more material things, but gift cards would be useful in the future.
The church say there was so much excess that they are donating the rest of it to other charities in Coweta County.
There was a big closed-door meeting on Thursday for all the county employees who took part in this. From dispatchers, firefighters and medics to sheriff’s deputies. It was an important first step towards healing for this community that is still very much grieving for this family.