(Lawrenceville, Ga., Jan. 13, 2024) – Firefighters responded at 5:29 p.m. to a bystander’s report of a house fire on the 100 block of Mae Belle Way in Lawrenceville. The 911 caller advised the house was on fire and there was a female who was in a wheelchair inside the house. 

Upon arrival, fire crews found a working fire on a single-family, two-story residence with a basement. Initial fire crews were met by a bystander who told crews there was someone inside the home on the main floor. Firefighters attempted an aggressive search of the main floor of the home, searching for the victim. Fire crews were able to locate the victim, noting the victim was obviously deceased. While investigating, firefighters noted high heat and heavy fire involvement on the first floor and second floor. Crews were able to clear the basement and had no fire in that area. Firefighters deployed three hose lines to extinguish the flames. Firefighters conducted searches of the structure, revealed the home to be clear of additional occupants. Firefighters ensured all fire was extinguished in the structure and cleared of all smoke. Once the fire was controlled, extensive fire and smoke damage to the first and second floors were found. No other additional injuries or medical complaints were found on the scene.

A resident of the home arrived on the scene and stated his stepmother was handicapped and bedridden, unable to escape on her own. He stated that he lived there with her, but there was no one else who lived in the home. No active fire alarms were found inside the home at the time of the fire. The American Red Cross was requested for one adult and one dog.

Fire investigators arrived on the scene for origin and cause determination. Fire investigators on the scene found the origin to be located on the main floor in the living room area, the cause of the fire is still under investigation at this time.

This incident serves as a good reminder of how important it is to learn the sounds of fire safety such as fire alarms. For additional information or to schedule an education program please send an email to FirePrograms@GwinnettCounty.com or call 678.518.4845.

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 4- Engines, 1- Ladder Truck, 1- Squad, 1- Rescue, 2- Med Units, 3- Command Staff Vehicles, 1- Air and Light Unit, 1- Fire Investigator, and 1- PIO.

Note: For pictures of this incident please visit our Facebook and X accounts @GwinnettFire. 

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