Relative of funeral home owner injured as he saved remains in Georgia blaze

FAIRBURN, Ga. — A family member of the Cook Brothers funeral home owner suffered injuries after rescuing remains in the Jan. 18 fire.

Relative Hospitalized After Rescue Effort at Cook Brothers Funeral Directors and Cremations

As flames spread through the building, Pastor Tamarkus Cook rushed inside to save the remains of five individuals entrusted to his care. His cousin, Blake, followed him into the smoke-filled structure to help.

FOX 5 reported that Cook ignored warnings from first responders because he felt responsible for the families he served.

“If I was not able to get those loved ones out of that facility, I would have been in there with them,” Cook told FOX 5.

Blake suffered smoke inhalation, eye irritation, and a swollen throat. A local hospital treated him for his injuries.

Families Feared the Worst

Johnny Arnoard, whose son Lamar died three weeks earlier, said he saw thick smoke from the highway and rushed to the scene.

He feared firefightersifirefighters didn’t get his son out of the building.

Cook said he refused to leave anyone behind.

“There is no way in the world that I would have allowed that building to burn down with anyone’s loved one inside without me attempting my very best to get them out,” he said.

Crews removed all five individuals safely and reunited them with their families at a nearby church.

Fundraiser Launched to Support Blake’s Recovery

Supporters created a GoFundMe campaign to help cover Blake’s medical expenses and recovery needs. The fundraiser describes Blake’s actions as a selfless effort to protect grieving families during a moment of chaos.

“Blake courageously helped him rescue the loved ones of grieving families who were inside the funeral home. In the midst of unimaginable chaos, Blake put his own life on the line to help save others.”

Organizers wrote that Blake’s injuries reflect “the real sacrifice made that day.” They noted that donations will support his treatment, recovery, and related expenses.

Officials have not released the cause of the fire, and they report no other injuries.

To learn more, visit the official GoFundMe page.