A Bainbridge family lost everything after a fire destroyed their home early Wednesday morning.

The fire was reported shortly before 2:30 a.m. at 202 E. College St., just east of its intersection with West Street. Bainbridge Public Safety officers responded and found flames coming from the rear of the home.

“[The residents] stated they woke up and noticed their television was on fire,” Deputy Fire Chief Doyle Welch said. “They tried to put it out but were unable to.”

Sgt. James Dollar and Officer Shannon Dunaway aimed a fire hose at the back of the home, where flames were the most intense. Dunaway and Officer Tim McCain entered the home through the front door and used a fire hose inside the house.

Deputy Fire Chief Welch said Decatur County Fire and Rescue was called in to provide additional manpower to fight the fire.

Officers were unable to put the fire on the home’s back porch out completely because there was a live power wire on the ground. Georgia Power arrived at 3:17 a.m. and removed the line to make the scene safe, after which firefighters completed putting the rest of the flames out.

A vehicle parked behind the house was also damaged due to radiant heat from the fire.

Friends gathering clothes, items for family

The family staying in the house consisted of a husband and wife and their four children, all of whom escaped the fire safely. However, the home and its contents were destroyed in the fire. Because the wife works at Memorial Hospital in Bainbridge, some of her co-workers are gathering clothes, shoes and personal items to help the family get started again.

The following is a list of each family members’ clothing and shoe size. Anyone who would like to donate new or used items in good condition may bring them by the front desk of Memorial Hospital. The items should be directed to the attention of Candy Harvey, 246-6100 ext. 351, or Taniya Bowens, 246-6100, ext. 400.

Parents:

Dad–Pants 36; Shirts XL; Shoes 10

Mom–Pants 16; Blouse 1X; Shoes 8

Children:

Ten-year-old boy–Clothing 12/14   Shoe size 5

Nine-year-old boy–Clothing 8/10  Shoe size 2.5-3

Nine-year-old boy–Clothing 12/14  Shoe size 4.5-5

Eight-year-old girl–Clothing 12  Shoe size 2.5-3