Fairburn, Georgia, January 20, 2026
A significant fire devastated the Cook Brothers Funeral Directors and Cremations in Fairburn, Georgia. Owner Pastor Tamarkus Cook and his cousin heroically rescued five sets of remains entrusted to their care amid the destruction. The fire, which began in the rear of the building, was fought by several fire crews, but the structure was declared a total loss. Fortunately, all remains were saved and returned to their families, highlighting the profound human connection within this tragic event.
Fairburn
Historic Funeral Home Engulfed in Flames, Owner Saves Entrusted Remains
Fairburn, Georgia – A centuries-old pillar of the community, Cook Brothers Funeral Directors and Cremations, was devastated by a major fire that began on Sunday afternoon, January 18, 2026. Despite the extensive destruction, the owner, Pastor Tamarkus Cook, along with his cousin, undertook a profound act of courage, risking personal safety to rescue the remains of five individuals entrusted to their care from the engulfed structure.
The Blaze and Immediate Response
The fire ignited in the rear of the funeral home, located on the 200 block of NW Broad Street, shortly before 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. The age and construction of the building, characterized by heavy timber and multiple historical add-ons dating back to 1914, presented significant challenges for firefighters. Fire crews from Fairburn and surrounding municipalities, including assistance from the city of South Fulton, responded to the scene, working through the night and into Monday afternoon to extinguish the flames and address lingering hotspots. Nearby roads, including Highway 29, were temporarily closed to facilitate emergency operations. The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department has officially declared the building a total loss. The precise cause of the fire remains under investigation.
A Sacred Trust Fulfilled Amidst Adversity
Upon receiving news of the blaze, Pastor Cook’s primary concern was the preservation of the loved ones under his care. He and his cousin, Blake, without hesitation, rushed into the burning edifice, even breaking doors to gain access to the areas where the remains were located. This brave endeavor, driven by a deep sense of responsibility, led to Blake being hospitalized for smoke inhalation. Through their diligent efforts, all five sets of remains were successfully recovered. These cherished remains have since been safely reunited with their respective families at a local church. The profound relief felt by families, such as Johnny Arnoard, whose son Lamar’s remains were among those rescued, underscores the immeasurable human value of this act. Pastor Cook expressed profound gratitude that, despite the material devastation, he was spared the difficult conversation of informing families that their loved ones had been destroyed in the fire.
A Legacy Interrupted and Resilient Spirit
Cook Brothers Funeral Directors and Cremations was more than a business; it was a deeply rooted institution in Fairburn, with a history spanning centuries. Pastor Cook had notably undertaken restoration efforts for the funeral home in 2018, reflecting his commitment to its enduring legacy within the community. The loss of the physical structure is a tangible void, yet the spirit of service and compassionate care, which characterized the funeral home, remains. Despite the extensive damage, Pastor Cook has affirmed his intention to continue serving the community, a testament to an unwavering dedication that transcends immediate adversity. This event, while marking a significant material loss, highlights the quiet fortitude and profound human commitment to dignity and remembrance that often define such establishments at the heart of our communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What event occurred in Fairburn, Georgia, on Sunday, January 18, 2026?
A centuries-old funeral home, Cook Brothers Funeral Directors and Cremations, was extensively damaged by a significant fire that began Sunday afternoon, January 18, 2026.
Who is Pastor Tamarkus Cook?
Pastor Tamarkus Cook is the owner of Cook Brothers Funeral Directors and Cremations, who, along with his cousin, undertook a courageous effort to retrieve the remains of five individuals from within the burning structure.
Were any remains saved from the fire at Cook Brothers Funeral Directors and Cremations?
Yes, the remains of five individuals entrusted to their care were successfully rescued from the engulfed structure.
What was the extent of the damage to the funeral home?
The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department has declared the building a total loss.
What was the age of the Cook Brothers Funeral Directors and Cremations building?
The building was a historical structure, with multiple add-ons dating back to 1914.
What is the current status of the fire investigation?
The precise cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Key Event Details
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | Major fire destroying a centuries-old funeral home |
| Location | Fairburn, Georgia (200 block of NW Broad Street) |
| Date of Fire | Sunday afternoon, January 18, 2026 |
| Affected Business | Cook Brothers Funeral Directors and Cremations |
| Owner | Pastor Tamarkus Cook |
| Heroic Action | Owner and cousin rescued five sets of remains from the burning building |
| Injuries Reported | One individual (cousin Blake) hospitalized for smoke inhalation |
| Building Status | Declared a total loss by Atlanta Fire Rescue Department |
| Building History | Centuries-old structure with add-ons since 1914 |
| Fire Cause | Under investigation |
| Community Response | Fire crews from Fairburn and South Fulton, community support for owner |
| Owner’s Future Plans | Committed to continuing to serve the community |
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