PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. — Two teens died after a fire broke out at a home in Paulding County on Friday.
Fire officials said it happened shortly before 3:30 p.m. at a home along Baskin Road in the Temple community.
Paulding County Fire Rescue said several neighbors called 911 and reported seeing large flames and hearing popping sounds coming from the home.
When firefighters arrived, half of the house was engulfed in flames. Within eight minutes of arriving at the home, the two teens were found by firefighters on the home's upper level. Crews brought the two teens to the front yard, where they began giving medical care.
Robert Deaton, who was 17-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. Fire officials said 13-year-old Caleb Deaton was rushed to Tanner Villa Rica Hospital critically hurt. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The two boys were home alone, according to fire officials. They added their mother had just arrived when the firefighters were working to extinguish the blaze.
There is now a GoFundMe set up for the family of the two boys. Those who want to donate to help the family can do so here.
"Following standard protocol for fatal fires, PCFD’s Investigators have requested assistance from the State of Georgia’s Fire Marshall to lead the investigation into the cause and origin of the fire," Paulding County Fire Rescue said.
This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.
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