(Buford, Ga., February 5, 2016) – Gwinnett County Firefighters responded at 4:20a.m., to an occupant report of a house fire in the 4100 block of Chatham Crest Lane, NE in Buford.

Crews arrived to find heavy fire showing from the back of a two-story wood frame house on a slab.  The occupants, husband and wife and their small dog, were already outside-safe when the fire department arrived and no injuries were reported.

Firefighters say that flames spread rapidly throughout the house due to the wind.  Firefighters quickly deployed attack hose lines, but were forced to battle the blaze from outside the burning structure because of intense fire conditions and partial collapse of the roof.  Crews flowed water from multiple hose lines and an aerial ladder device to control the flames and protect exposures.  The home is a total loss due to the damage.  Occupants were asleep at the time and were awakened by a loud popping noise.  They discovered the back of the house ablaze and evacuated.  There was no smoke or flames in the main-living space at the time they escaped. The exact cause of the fire is currently undetermined, but appears accidental according to the Fire Investigator.  The blaze is believed to have originated in the area of the back deck.  The Red Cross was contacted to provide assistance for the displaced occupants.

Fire officials are using this blaze an opportunity to remind citizens of the importance of following home fire safety practices.  Install and maintain working smoke alarms on every level of the home and in each of the bedrooms.  Develop a home fire escape plan and practice fire drills with the entire family.  Look for and eliminate hazardous conditions that could cause a fire to start.  For additional information, please contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction Division at 678.518.4845 or e-mail fireprograms@gwinnettcounty.com.  The department offers free home fire safety surveys and smoke alarm checks.

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 3-Engines, 1-Ladder Truck, 1-Squad, 1-Rehab Unit, 1-Air & Light Unit, 1-medic Unit, 2-Battalion Chiefs and 1-Fire Investigator