Victims of Rockdale house fire identified

Parker said a passerby first spotted the fire. The home did not have residential sprinklers installed and fire officials believe there were no smoke detectors, she said.

Stanich may have used a walker, according to authorities. There was a ramp at the home and disability stickers on vehicles.

Stanich was an active participant in the County’s Olivia Haydel Senior Center, and Bitterman was a retired veteran, Parker said.

The single-story ranch home is in north Rockdale County just off Irwin Bridge Road. Rockdale County Fire & Rescue said the blaze, which occurred around noon, was contained in the right front side of the house, and no other structures were damaged.

Parker said there were no other injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.