Fire Destroys Stilson Family’s Home

STILSON, Ga.—A Bulloch County couple and their baby were forced from their home Tuesday after fire broke out. 

Thankfully no one was hurt, but they were only able to escape from the house with the clothes they were wearing.

“It is difficult. I’ve never been through nothing like this,“ said Carolyn Ray, as she stood with her family outside the home she used to share with her husband and 17 month-old son Dylan.

“I heard something pop when I come back in the front room and sit down in my chair. So I got up and went to the bedroom, and when I went and opened the door, all I seen was some smoke,“ she said.

The noise she heard apparently led to fire.

“I heard something crackling so I went back and opened the door. The fire was burning in the bedroom,“ said Ray.

Firefighters put out the flames in minutes, but the home, contents, and memories inside were completely lost.

“I’m thankful that we all three got out. My puppies got out, and my bird got ok. We’re all ok, ‘cause if there would’ve been a tragedy it would’ve been horrible,“ she said.

Among the ashes outside the home, you can see the charred remains of Dylan’s crib and sentimental items that can’t be replaced.

“It had my wedding dress in it. I was gonna redo my vows,“ said Ray.

The Rays are staying with family, and thankfully they have insurance, something they say no homeowner should be without.

“That’s one main thing they need is insurance to replace what they have, because if you don’t have insurance you’re not going to get nothing replaced, and the times is hard now,“ she said.

No word on what caused the fire, but the family believes it was electrical.

If you’d like to help the Ray family, you’re asked to call 912-823-2242.