CLAYTON-- A fire at a Clayton residence Nov. 17 that displaced a family of four, two adults and two children, was deemed a “total loss,” according to a statement from Justin Upchurch, assistant chief of Rabun County Fire Services.
“Please pray for my family. All we have is the clothes on our back,” said Carrie Watts.
At 8:25 p.m., Rabun County Fire Services Station 1,6 and 12 were dispatched to a report of a structure fire at 144 JB and Fred Lane, Clayton.
“The first units on scene found an approximately 1,000 sq. ft. single family dwelling on a crawl space with fire showing from all sides,” Upchurch said in the statement. “Initially, fire personnel operated in a defensive mode and then transitioned to offensive after the fire was knocked back.”
A water source was utilized at the corner of Stella Falls Rd. and Holcomb Lane, with approximately 10,000 gallons of water used to extinguish the fire.
The last apparatus left the scene at 11:26 p.m.
No injuries were reported, according to the statement.
The cause of the fire was unknown at press time.
The Red Cross is assisting the family.
A GoFundMe, “Carrie and Cam’s house fire fund,” fundraiser has been organized for the family, https://www.gofundme.com/f/carrie-and-cams-house-fire-fund?qid=6fede26a8ac9bc4e1004090e1c98ac41.
There is a donation fund set up at South State Bank named "Watts house fire benefit fund."
Watts said that a Venmo is available for donations as well.