(Lawrenceville, Ga., April 15, 2018) – Firefighters responded at 11:19 a.m., to a neighbor report of a house fire in the 80 block of Bleeker Street, SW in unincorporated Lawrenceville.  The caller to 9-1-1 reported hearing what sounded like an explosion and seeing flames and smoke pouring from the home.  It was unknown at the time whether anyone was inside.

Crews arrived to find heavy fire showing throughout the right-side of a split-level, wood-frame house.  Flames were already breaking through the roof over a garage that was converted to a living space.  Firefighters quickly deployed fire attack hose lines and immediately entered the home to conduct a primary search and battle the blaze.  Search crews found the body of an adult male, (mid-70s) deceased inside the residence.  Firefighters continued to search for the man’s wife who was believed to be unaccounted for at the time.  The woman was eventually found safe and was away visiting with her adult daughter.  There were two dogs located inside the home.  One was discovered alive and one was deceased.  There were no other injuries reported. 

The exact cause of the fire and manner of death is currently undetermined and is under active investigation.  The body was turned over to the Medical Examiner’s Office for positive identification and cause of death determination.  The name of the victim has not been released.  According to Fire Investigators, initial reports of what appeared to be an explosion may be attributed to medical oxygen tanks and ammunition that were located within the burned area of the home.

This tragic fire serves as a reminder about the importance of practicing fire safety.  Install 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 regularly.  For more information on home fire and life safety, please contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction Division at 678.518.4845 or e-mail fireprograms@gwinnettcounty.com.                                                 

INCIDENT DATE: 04/15/18
TIME DISPATCHED: 11:19 A.M.
TIME ARRIVED: 11:24 A.M.
TIME UNDER CONTROL: 12:12 P.M.

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 4-Engines, 1-Ladder Truck, 1-Squad, 1-Air & Light Unit, 2-Medic Units, 2-Battalion Chiefs, 1-Deputy Chief, 4-Fire Investigators and 1-PIO