Firefighters responded at 4:10 a.m., to a report of a townhome fire at the Castelgate Townhomes, 1071 Level Creek Road, NE in Buford/Sugar Hill. 

The blaze appears to have started in the unit on the right-end of a two-story (six-unit) townhome building.  Occupants were home at the time of the fire and were alerted by their dog barking.  The husband and wife got the kids and escaped by going downstairs and exiting out the front door.  They reported flames in the living room.  A police unit was first to arrive and reported the townhome unit fully involved and flames quickly spreading to the unit next door.  The officer and neighbors began banging on doors to evacuate the building.  The blaze burned in the attic space and ran the length of the building.  Firefighters flowed water from multiple hose lines to control the fire and protect exposures.  Crews initially operated in the offensive mode before having to back-out and knock down the bulk of the flames from the exterior.  There is heavy fire damage in 2-3 units and smoke, heat, and water damage in the remaining units. 

The exact cause of the fire is currently undetermined and is under investigation.  The blaze appears to have started in the downstairs living room in the end townhome unit.  “We are fortunate that the family dog alerted the occupants and they were able to escape the burning unit where the fire started,” said Gwinnett Fire Captain Tommy Rutledge.  Smoke alarms inside the unit of origin were not working per the occupants. 

This fire serves as an important reminder to install and maintain working smoke alarms and to develop a home fire escape plan.  Follow proper fire prevention and safety practices to keep your home and family safe.  Be sure to practice fire drills and look for and eliminate home hazards that could cause a fire to start or grow in intensity.

For additional information on home fire safety, please contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction/Education Section at 678.518.4845 or e-mail fireprograms@gwinnettcounty.com.        

The American Red Cross was requested to assist approximately 27 people (17-adults and 10-children) displaced by the damage.

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED:  7-Engines, 2-Ladder Trucks, 1-Squad, 1-Air & Light Unit, 1-Medic Unit, 2-Battalion Chiefs, 1-District Chief, 2-Fire Investigators and 1-PIO