(Lawrenceville, Ga., August 12, 2015) – Gwinnett County Firefighters responded on Wednesday, August 12, 2015, at 11:55a.m., to an occupant report of a duplex fire in the 835 block of Indian Lake Drive, NW in Lilburn.  The caller to 9-1-1 reported a fire in the kitchen.  The fire was brought under control by 12:20p.m.

Crews could see a heavy column of smoke from the distance as they responded to the scene.  Firefighters found heavy fire involvement in the unit on the right of a two-story wood frame and brick duplex building.  Firefighters quickly deployed attack hose lines and made immediate entry to battle the blaze and conduct a primary search.  The occupant was already outside - safe when the fire department arrived and no injuries were reported.  There were no occupants inside the adjoining duplex.

Firefighters worked fast and kept the flames from spreading into the adjoining duplex unit on the left.  Radiant heat from the fire caused minor cosmetic damage to the vinyl siding on a neighboring building to the right.  Firefighters extinguished the main body of fire and flowed water on the exposure building to prevent further extension or damage.  The fire caused extensive damage inside the unit or origin and sent smoke throughout. 

The fire appears accidental and was sparked by a pot of hot cooking oil that was left unattended on the stove.  The occupant was home at the time and was alerted to the fire after going downstairs to the kitchen.  He escaped unharmed and called 9-1-1.

According to fire officials, you should never leave food cooking on the stove unattended.  Unsafe cooking continues to be a leading cause of residential fires across the U.S.  Remember to turn the burner off whenever you leave the kitchen.  Have a portable fire extinguisher close at hand and install working smoke alarms on every level of the home.

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.  See attached photos sent by the Fore-PIO.    

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED:  4-Engines, 2-Ladder Truck, 1-Squad, 2-Medic Units, 1-Air & Light Unit, 1-Medical Supervisor, 2-Battalion Chiefs, 1-Deputy Chief, 1-Fire Investigator, 1-Staff Safety Officer and 1-FirePIO.