(Lawrenceville, Ga., December 26, 2017) – Firefighters responded at 10:29 a.m. to a report of a business fire in the 200 block of Ezzard Street in the City of Lawrenceville. The business is home to a local Hispanic radio station, La Bonita (WPLO) 610AM. The caller to 9-1-1 reported smoke and flames coming from the business.

Crews arrived on scene to find a working fire in a single-story, L-shaped modular structure. Smoke and flames were visible from the right side of the structure as crews deployed hose lines. An aggressive interior fire attack resulted in a quick knockdown. Extensive fire damage was confined to the far right side of the structure including the exterior wall. The remainder of the right side sustained smoke and water damage. An employee advised that he arrived at work this morning and turned on the buildings heating unit. After a couple hours, the employee was alerted by activated smoke alarms and the smell of smoke. The employee exited the structure and remained outside until fire crews arrived. No injuries were reported at the incident. Fire Investigators determined the cause was accidental from a malfunctioning heating system attached to the exterior wall on the right side of the structure.

Firefighters encourage home and business owners to practice fire safety, especially during the cold weather season. Be sure to install working smoke alarms, develop an evacuation plan and practice fire drills regularly. Check and maintain home and business heating appliances such as the furnace, fireplace, wood burning stove and space heater. 

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 5-Engines, 2-Trucks, 1-Squad, 1-Air/Light Unit, 1-Medic Unit, 1-Battalion Chief, 1-Deputy Chief, 2-Arson Investigators and 1-PIO.