FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Paulding County, GA – March 28, 2025. Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Paulding County Fire & Rescue, and Metro EMS responded to a structure fire at 161 Wiley Drive last Saturday, March 22nd, where a 26-year-old mother and her 2-year-old son sustained third-degree burns over much of their bodies during a cooking accident.
Emergency personnel arrived on the scene within minutes of dispatch, finding two patients already in the front yard, and immediately initiated life-saving medical assistance.
The mother was transported to Cobb WellStar Hospital Burn Unit, while her young son was taken to Augusta Doctors’ Hospital Burn Unit. Both have since undergone multiple medical procedures and surgeries. They remain hospitalized in very serious condition, but thankfully, are alive.
Following an exhaustive investigation, Paulding County Fire investigators have determined that the fire was accidental, originating from a cooking accident.
“Our thoughts are with the victims and their family as they begin the long road to recovery,” said Chief Garrett Brubaker. “We urge all residents to exercise caution in the kitchen and ensure fire safety measures are in place to prevent tragedies like this.”
Paulding County Fire & Rescue reminds the public to stay vigilant when cooking and to have easy access to a fully charged, working fire extinguisher that has not expired according to the manufacturer's
guidelines. For further updates or public safety resources, please get in touch with Paulding County Fire & Rescue at (770) 222-1160 or the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office at (770) 443-3010.
If you require further information regarding the mother's condition, you may contact Wellstar Cobb Hospital’s burn unit. Information on 2-year-old children can be obtained from the JMS Burn Center at Augusta University Medical Center.