(Peachtree Corners Ga., October 20, 2015) – Gwinnett County Firefighters responded on Tuesday, October 20, 2015, at 5:05a.m., to an occupant report of a townhome fire in the 6231 block of Barcelona Drive, NW in Peachtree Corners.  The incident was declared under control by 5:49a.m.

               Crews arrived to find heavy fire showing from the attic and flames breaking through the roof over a two-story townhome unit on the right-corner of the building.  The occupants were already outside-safe when the fire department arrived and no injuries were reported.  The family, 2-adults and 2-children, were home asleep in the unit when the father was awakened by a cracking sound.  He went to investigate and discovered the attic on fire.  The family exited from the burning unit and called 9-1-1.  Smoke alarms inside the townhome unit had not yet activated because the fire was burning in the attic above the main-living space.  The alarms began to sound as smoke entered the second floor at the time the family made their escape. 

               On arrival, initial fire crews quickly deployed attack hose lines and entered the townhome to combat the blaze and conduct a primary search.  The fire was contained to the one-townhome unit and caused extensive damage to the attic, roof and part of the second floor.  Firefighters had to pull the sheetrock in an adjoining unit to check for extension.  There was no actual fire damage found in the exposure unit.  “The presence of a firewall aided firefighters in helping to contain the flames to the unit or origin,” said Gwinnett Fire Captain Tommy Rutledge.  The exact cause of the fire is undetermined and is under active investigation.

               Firefighters had to stretch a hose line to a hydrant across Holcomb Bridge Road.  The busy road was closed as the morning rush hour commute was getting started.  Fortunately the road was able to be reopened in about one-hour.  Traffic returned to normal in the area just after 7a.m.  Police diverted motorists away from the incident until the lanes were reopened.

               October is Fire Prevention Month in Gwinnett County.  Firefighters suggest installing smoke alarms on every level of the home and in each of the bedrooms.  A smoke alarm should also be placed in the attic of the home.  Smoke alarms provide early warning when a fire strikes and gives added time for people to escape.  Develop a home fire escape plan and practice fire drills with the entire family. 

               For additional information on home fire safety, please contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction Section at 678.518.4845 or e-mail fireprograms@gwinnettcounty.com.  The department offers free home safety surveys and smoke alarm checks as part of its community outreach programs.

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 4-Engines, 2-Ladder Trucks, 1-Squad, 1-Medic Unit, 1-Air & Light Unit, 1-Rehab Unit, 2-Battalion Chiefs, 1-Deputy Chief, 1-Fire Investigator and 1-PIO.