(Lawrenceville, Ga., Aug. 19, 2025) – A devastating fire tore through a three-story apartment building at the Oxford Apartments in Lawrenceville early Tuesday morning, displacing over 30 residents and sending one firefighter to a local burn center following a partial roof collapse during firefighting efforts.

Gwinnett County firefighters were dispatched at 8:53 a.m. after multiple 911 callers reported flames visible from a top-floor unit at 1406 Club Lakes Parkway. Callers also indicated that residents might still be trapped inside.

Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy fire involvement across the multi-family structure. Firefighters mounted an aggressive attack, deploying two hose lines to combat flames. While conducting a search and rescue operation, the roof collapsed, trapping a fire attack crew on a second-story balcony. They were later safely evacuated via ladder. Over 20 occupants were safely evacuated from the building during the incident. In total, 12 apartment units were affected by the fire, resulting in a complete structural loss. Fortunately, adjacent buildings were spared from damage. Medical teams on-site provided emergency support and firefighter rehabilitation. One firefighter was transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. One resident suffered minor injuries and was also transported by medical crews. An additional firefighter was evaluated and released at the scene for a non-life-threatening illness. Five Fire Chaplains responded to the scene, offering support to emergency crews and the injured firefighter.

The occupants in the apartment at the time of the incident stated they were sleeping when they heard crackling, opened their bedroom door, and saw flames and smoke coming from the balcony. Smoke alarms were not present in the fire unit.

In total, 31 residents were displaced and are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross and apartment management.

Fire Investigators determined the fire originated on the second-story balcony. The cause remains under investigation. Fire crews remained on the scene for an extended period, working to extinguish hot spots and monitor for flare-ups.

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 4-Engines, 2-Ladder Trucks, 1-Squad, 1-Rescue, 4-Med Units, 1-Medical Supervisor, 3-Command Staff Units, 1-Air and Light Unit, 1-Special Response Unit, 1-HAZMAT Unit, 6-Fire Inspectors, and 2-PIO’s.

Note: For pictures of this incident, please visit our Facebook page @GwinnettFire.

###