Once firefighters arrived, they immediately started to search for Katelynn in the 'well advanced' blaze. The team soon located her upstairs, but it was too late to save her.
The little girl's step-aunt, Tressia Perry, said Katelynn's step-father and step-uncle attempted to go back in to save her, but 'they couldn't get in.'
'Katelynn, she's like us, an animal lover. She went upstairs and got that puppy,' her uncle, Charles Beecher, told The dog did not survive either.
At the time of the fire, Katelynn's brother and two others were inside the home and survived.
It is unclear if her parents were home at the time of the incident and if anyone tried to stop her from running back into the flames.
The fire was ruled was accidental but it is unclear what sparked it. DailyMail.com has contacted the Spalding County Fire Department.
Byrd said one firefighter was injured and taken to the hospital. All responding firefighters were offered counseling to help process the catastrophe.
'We go in, everyone, with that attitude. We're going to do everything we can, within humanly possible, to try to make a difference,' Byrd told Fox 5.
'And these stories [are] just tragic for us.'
Outside of the home, a memorial full of stuffed animals and flowers was set up by friends and family.
The home's roof was seen caved in and charred after the intense fire took over.
'It's hard knowing I am not going to be able to see her again,' her uncle said.
'It's rough. I mean, 11-years-old. Her life was just taken too early.'
Katelynn was a cheerleader for Spalding and Pike County Rec Centers and went to Cowan Road Middle School.
A page was created for the young girl's family as they lost everything in the tragic fire.
'This is the worst thing that could happen to a parent. It's unfathomable the pain and anguish she feels,' the page's organizer, Meredith Smith said on behalf of Katelynn's mother, Kristy Rollins.
All proceeds raised are set to go toward the family, including Katelynn's mother, her step-dad Kevin Rollins and her brother. As of Tuesday morning, more than $7,000 was raised to help with funeral costs, new housing for the family and clothing.
Clothing, food and toiletries donations are also being accepted for the family at a local church.
'Her visit here on earth was short, but her family will experience this for the rest of their lives,' Smith said.
Heartbroken family and friends took to social media to remember the young girl.
