QUITMAN — A fire that claimed the lives of two Brooks County children last week started from a candle burning on a coffee table.

Investigators from the Georgia Insurance Commission and the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office ruled the fire accidental Tuesday, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

At 1:35 a.m. Sept. 21, a fire consumed Josh and Jeannie Wolfe’s manufactured home at 555 Augusta Drive.

Josh Wolfe got called out to work when Hunter Lee Wolfe, 5, woke up and lit the candle, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Based on a series of events that occurred throughout the evening, investigators were able to determine who lit the candle.

Jeannie Wolfe was able to climb out a window after several attempts to get into the living room to rescue Hunter Lee Wolfe and Destinee Sway Wolfe, 2.

Jeannie Wolfe also tried to gain access to the children, who were in the living room and bedroom, through the front door.

The East Brooks and North Brooks County Volunteer Fire Department with the assistance of the West Lowndes County Fire Rescue Unit responded to the home, which was engulfed in flames.

Jeannie Wolfe was treated at the scene by Regional EMS.

Funeral services were held Saturday in Tifton.

Autopsy results showed the children died of smoke and heat inhalation.



To contact Brianne Sweetland, call (229) 244-3400, ext. 245.