(Norcross, Ga., January 14, 2018) – Firefighters responded at 4:13 a.m., to an occupant report of a house fire in the 5700 block of DeKalb Lane, NW in (unincorporated) Norcross.  The caller to 9-1-1 reported sparks coming from the breaker box and an electrical burning smell inside the house.  They were advised to evacuate the home by the emergency dispatcher.  There were no injuries reported. 

Crews arrived to find heavy smoke showing and an active fire in the attic of a single-story, wood-frame house on a crawlspace.  Firefighters quickly deployed attack hose lines to battle the blaze and conducted a primary search of the structure.  Fire crews were initially hampered by an arcing service line as they worked to extinguish the flames.  The blaze caused extensive damage to the attic space and water and overhaul damage to the main-living area.  Georgia Power was requested to disconnect power to the residence. 

A Fire Investigator was called to the scene for origin and cause determination.  Per the investigator, the fire appears accidental and originated in the attic from an electrical source.  The American Red Cross was contacted to provide temporary assistance for two-adult females displaced by the damage.  

Firefighters encourage all citizens to install working smoke alarms on every level of the home and in each of the bedrooms.  Develop a home escape plan and practice fire drills regularly.  Look for and eliminate hazards that could cause a fire to start.  Be sure to protect your home and family by practicing fire safety.

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 4-Engines, 1-Ladder Truck, 1-Squad, 1-Air & Light Unit, 1-Medic Unit, 2-Battalion Chiefs