Family loses home, pets in house fire

A local family lost everything after a fire consumed their home at 4178 Highway 109 in Molena July 12.
Around 5:30 p.m. Pike County Fire Department personnel responded to the fully involved structure fire.

“According to the residents, no one was home at the time except the family pets, two dogs and two cats. The neighbor saw the house engulfed and messaged the resident who was on her way home,” said PCFD public information officer Anita Neath. “Unfortunately, the animals did not survive.”
PCFD was supported by mutual aid from Upson County firefighters and Meriwether County Fire Department.

Brittany and Donny Ryder were the residents of the home. Brittany works at Honeywood Farms in Lamar County and the farmer’s market and restaurant are accepting donations to help them.
“We are taking donations instead of cash tips for the rest of this week to help out this sweet family. Any gift cards or money that anyone wants to donate will be given to them to help out during such a tragic time. Thank you for everyone who has already showed them so much love and let’s continue to lift them in prayer,” said Honeywood’s social media post.

Pike County’s Baylynn Strader recently took their pregnancy announcement photos.

“This couple is something out of a story book. Their love is infections and as bright as the sun. Spending time with them makes you see the joy and beauty that is in this world,” she said. “My husband was one of the firefighters who tried so hard to save their home. When he came home and told me what happened, he kept saying, ‘even with all they are going through, they still are some of the kindest people.’”

Baylynn Lane Photography is hosting a fundraiser raffle for an hour long session ($175 value).
One entry costs $10 and those who buy five entries get one free. To enter, Cashapp or Venmo with ‘Photography Raffle+Name’ in the “For” section to Cashapp: $merrittbaylynn or Venmo: @baylynnstrader. The winner will be chosen Friday, July 21.

“We would like to thank everyone for all the kind words and donations. Especially those who volunteered to be a donation drop off. We’ve felt so much love this past week,” said Brittany. “All of the support from this community has been very much appreciated by my husband and I.”