(Buford, Ga., Dec. 18, 2025) – Firefighters responded at 3:44 p.m. to multiple 911 callers reporting an apartment fire at the Plantation Ridge Apartments at 1022 Level Creek Road in Buford. The 911 caller advised that there was a fire behind their apartment unit, and the fire was spreading to the second floor. The 911 callers advised dispatch that people were evacuating the apartments.  

Upon arrival, fire crews found a working fire at a multi-family, three-story apartment building. While investigating, firefighters encountered fire on the rear side deploying two hose lines. Additionally, evacuation of the entire building occurred, with assistance from Gwinnett County Police. The apartment building sustained moderate fire damage and heavy water damage to the structure, affecting 6 apartment units—no fire extension to the adjacent apartment buildings. Fire crews remained on the scene for an extended time, extinguishing hot spots and ensuring the fire was fully extinguished. Medical crews on the scene were utilized for firefighter rehabilitation. There were no injuries found on the scene. 

One of the occupants in the home at the time of the incident stated they heard the smoke alarms activated, went to investigate when they saw the fire on the balcony below them, and evacuated the building. Smoke alarms were active in the units at the time of the incident. The fire displaced eleven adults and eight children who will be receiving assistance from the American Red Cross and apartment management.

Fire Investigators responded to the scene for cause and fire determination. The Fire Investigators on the scene found the origin to be on the second-story balcony, C-side of the building; the fire is accidental.

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 5-Engines, 2-Ladder Trucks, 1-Squad, 2-Med Units, 3-Command Staff Units, 1-Air and Light Unit, 1-Fire Investigator, 1-Public Information Officer.

***For pictures of the scene go to our Facebook page @GwinnettFire.

###