GWINNETT FIRE/MEDIA E-RELEASE: LAUNDRY ROOM FIRE AT GWINNETT MEDICAL CENTER IN DULUTH.

INCIDENT DATE: 07/28/12
TIME DISPATCHED: 6:16 A.M.
TIME ARRIVED: 6:22 A.M.
TIME SITUATION CONTROLLED: 6:43 A.M.

Gwinnett County Firefighters responded to a report of a fire in the laundry room on the main-level at Gwinnett Medical Center (hospital) in Duluth.

Crews found a small active fire in the laundry room and moderate smoke conditions inside the laundry area on arrival.  The fire was being controlled by the buildings sprinkler suppression system when the fire department arrived.  Firefighters quickly deployed a single hoseline to completely extinguish the remnants of a smoldering fire.  The fire damage was contained to a commercial dryer and its contents, and sent only a slight odor of smoke into other parts of the main-level.

A member of the nursing staff attempted to douse the fire with a portable fire extinguisher prior to the sprinkler activation.  She was evaluated in the ER for minor exposure to the smoke.  Two other hospital employees were also evaluated for minor smoke exposure.  There were no evacuations necessary due to the fire and no further injuries were reported.

According to Gwinnett Fire Captain Tommy Rutledge, "The hospital staff sprang into action and did a good job of protecting occupants of the building and minimizing the damage."

This incident demonstrates the effectiveness of fire sprinklers in buildings, as well as the need for fire extinguisher, and fire safety training of employees in the workplace.  For additional information on Workplace Fire Safety Programs, please contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction - Education Section at 678.518.4845 or e-mail fireprograms@gwinnettcounty.com.

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED:

4-Engines
2-Ladder Trucks
1-Squad
1-Air & Light Unit
2-Medic Ambulances
1-District Commander
1-Battalion Commander
1-Medic Supervisor
1-PIO