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A Tifton house fire early Monday that began in the kitchen claimed the life of an 88-year-old Brunswick man visiting for the holidays and severely damaged the Hall Avenue residence, authorities say.
The Tifton Fire Department (TFD) was dispatched to 2011 Hall Ave. at 3:36 a.m. Monday and arrived on scene at 3:40 a.m., the fire department said in a press release Tuesday.
"While en route, dispatch advised TFD personnel of a possible entrapment within the home. Upon arrival on scene, TFD immediately set up command and began extinguishment. One individual exited the home and confirmed another individual remained inside," according to the release.
"TFD crews entered the structure to search for the individual, located them, extracted them from the home, and turned the individual over to EMS care on scene. This individual was determined to be deceased."
The Tift County Coroner's Office identified the victim as Harry Johnson, 88, of Brunswick. According to neighbors, Johnson was a friend of the home's owner, Peter J. Germishuizen, and was visiting for the holidays.
Germishuizen, 87, exited the home upon the TFD's arrival and was taken to Tift Regional Medical Center for minor injuries, authorities said.
"TFD crews continued fire suppression activities, put out the house fire, and stood by to assure the fire would not reignite," the fire department said. "The state fire marshal arrived on scene and following investigation, determined that an unintentional kitchen fire was the cause. No foul play is suspected."
Neighbor Maghan Campbell has started an online GoFundMe page to raise money to help Germishuizen recover from the fire. As of Tuesday afternoon, more than $2,800 was raised.
The GoFundMe page noted that "Peter Germishuizen experienced a tragic house fire that destroyed his home and all of its contents. .... We are so thankful he survived, but his life has been turned upside down. Tragically, a close friend who was staying with Peter for the holidays did not survive the fire."
The online appeal also noted that "this year has already been unbearably hard for Peter. He lost his beloved wife, Faith (in September). ... Now, Peter faces the unimaginable — grieving his wife while losing his home and everything in it.
"Peter needs our help. He will need funds for housing, essentials, and professional support to get through this season. If you can give, please do. Every dollar will help him rebuild and remind him that he is not alone."
The GoFundMe page can be found here.
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