A Julington Creek mom scrambled to save her 10-year-old son and his cousin from a fast-moving house fire Tuesday morning, according to a GoFundMe post.
The blaze tore through the Samoilich family’s home on the 1000 block of Linwood Loop just after 7 a.m., destroying nearly everything they owned.
Marina Samoilich was home with the two boys during a sleepover when she heard a sudden pop from the kitchen.
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Moments later, she saw flames racing up the side of the house and into the sunroom. Thinking fast, she rushed to get the children out, called 911, and ran back inside to find their pets.
Both cats were discovered by firefighters—one rescued and given oxygen at the scene, and another tragically lost in the fire.
Fire crews arrived within minutes to find heavy flames engulfing the rear of the home. The fire was brought under control by 7:50 a.m., and officials say no residents or firefighters were injured. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Now, the St. Johns community is rallying to support the Samoilich family, who lost all their belongings in the blaze—from clothes and furniture to treasured family photos.
Friends have organized a verified fundraiser that has already raised more than $8,000 to help cover temporary housing, food, clothing, and essential items as they rebuild.
“The family appreciates any support through donations or shares,” organizer Anna Pavlov wrote. “Thank you for helping them get back on their feet.”
