(Norcross, Ga., August 30, 2016) – Gwinnett County Firefighters are trying to determine what sparked a fire that ultimately damaged three houses in a culde-sac off Steve Reynolds Boulevard in (unincorporated) Norcross.  Firefighters were called to the address by neighbors in the 4600 block of Park Lake Court, NW around 5:04p.m.     

Firefighters reported seeing a visible column of heavy black smoke from a distance as the responded to the scene.  Firefighters arrived 5:07p.m., to find a two-story house fully involved and flames also burning the exterior siding and attic in two neighboring houses.  Initial fire crews were challenged by the magnitude of fire showing from the main fire building and the immediate threat to the adjacent houses.  Firefighters quickly deployed attack hose lines to protect both exposure houses and also trained water on the main house to knock down the bulk of the flames.  The fire caused a total loss to the original house and extensive damage in the attic of the house to the left.  The home on the right sustained extensive exterior wall damage, but no fire damage on the interior living space.  Firefighters worked fast and were able to keep the flames from totally consuming the neighboring houses.

Occupants were home in each of the affected houses at the time the fire erupted.  They were all able to escape unharmed.  The American Red Cross was contacted to assist approximately 20-people displaced by the damage.  One female civilian was evaluated at the scene for a medical complaint that was unrelated to the fire.  There were no injuries reported as a result of the blaze. 

The exact cause of the fire is currently undetermined and is under active investigation by the fire department.  Investigators say that the blaze originated in a second kitchen space that was added on to the back of the house.  A grandfather and 10-year-old granddaughter were home at the time in the house where the fire started.  The child was doing homework in the front living room and started to smell smoke.  At the same time, her grandfather saw smoke as he was outside working in the yard.  A neighbor tried to douse the flames prior to the fire department’s arrival, but was unsuccessful.  They were able to knock on doors to evacuate the neighboring houses.  The neighbors reported hearing a loud boom and described the fire as intensifying after that point.  Additional information on the exact cause of the fire will be released when available.

“This fire serves as an important reminder of following proper fire safety practices,” said Gwinnett Fire Captain Tommy Rutledge.  Install working smoke alarms on every level of the home, in the hallway outside the sleeping area and in each of the bedrooms.  Develop and practice a home fire escape plan with the entire family. For additional information on home fire safety, please contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction Division at 678.518.4845 or e-mail fireprograms@gwinnettcounty.com.  The department offers free smoke alarm checks and home safety surveys as part of its outreach programs.

Dropbox Video/Photo Link below: https://www.dropbox.com/s/kyzwriasbo4aj3t/Gwinnett%20House%20Fire%20Parklake%20Court%20Norcross%20-%208-30-16%20Multiple%20Houses.mp4?dl=0

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED:  5-Engines, 2-Ladder Trucks, 1-Squad, 1-Air & Light Unit, 2-Medic Units, 2-Battalion-Chief’s, 2-Fire Investigators and 1-PIO