(Lawrenceville, Ga., January 25, 2018) – Firefighters responded at 8:50 p.m., to a report of a house fire in the 1500 block of Hillary Cove Court, NW in (unincorporated) Lawrenceville.

Crews arrived to find heavy fire involvement in the garage and flames breaking through the roof of a two-story, wood-frame house.  A car parked in the driveway close to the garage was also burning.  Firefighters quickly deployed fire attack hose lines to control the blaze.

Additional arriving crews helped obtain a positive water supply. Firefighters flowed water from an aerial ladder truck and multiple hand lines to control the flames and protect the neighboring house to the right.  Radiant heat melted the exterior vinyl siding on the exposure house and caused extensive cosmetic damage.  The fire heavily damaged the original house and caused part of the second floor to collapse into the garage.  The vehicle also sustained heavy damage.    

The occupants were home at the time the fire erupted and were alerted by the smell of smoke.  They discovered a fire in the garage and tried to douse the flames with water and a portable fire extinguisher, but were unsuccessful.  The occupants escaped unharmed and were outside-safe when fire trucks and police arrived.  There were no injuries reported.  The American Red Cross was requested to assist the family (2-adults and 3-children) displaced by the damage.  The family was renting the home and attempts were being made by the Fire Investigator to identify the property owner.

Per the Fire Investigator, the blaze appears to have started in the garage and quickly spread to the second floor and attic via the wall and floor system.  The exact cause is still undetermined and under investigation.   

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, 1-Fire Investigator and 1-PIO