The brush fires burning along the Highway 316 and Interstate 85 are under control.  Firefighters converged on the area this afternoon to control what is believed to be 3-5 separate grass fires, with two of the fire areas merging together to form one large area involved.  Crews responded to the first report of the fires at 11:54 a.m.  The first unit to arrive requested additional equipment due to reports coming in to 9-1-1 of fires in different areas in the same general vicinity.  The fires scorched the grass along the Highway 316 Access Road between Boggs Road and Highway 120.

Firefighters were made aware of one grass fire that threatened new vehicles at the Subaru Dealership, located at 2920 Satellite Boulevard in Duluth.  Fire trucks responded to the location as employees of the dealership rushed to move cars that were parked close to the fence line and grassy area.  A few of the vehicles reportedly sustained minor cosmetic damage due to the radiant heat from the blaze.  There were no injuries reported.

Georgia State Patrol and State DOT HERO closed the access road and bridge in order for fire crews to move fire trucks and hose lines in the area to extinguish the fires.  It took firefighters close to 1-hour to bring the fires completely under control.  Units remain at the scene at this time dousing hotspots.  The bridge and access were still closed as of 3p.m.  We are working to reopen the roadway before the afternoon commute.

The exact cause of the fires is currently undetermined and is under investigation by the fire department.  It is unknown whether the fires were intentional or caused by accidental means.  Scenarios include, but are not limited to: a tossed cigarette, car exhaust, sparks from a vehicle chain as it traveled on the access road, etc.  Hot embers floating in the air from the original blaze could have also contributed to the multiple spot fires being ignited.  Again, the exact cause is currently undetermined and is under investigation.

A total of ten fire units and over 30 firefighters responded to the scene.  The fire departments Water Tanker also responded due to water supply and possible access issues.  Georgia Forestry was requested to cut a fire break this afternoon.  A nearby creek also helped to create a natural fire break on one side of the fires. 

Additional information will be sent by the fire-PIO when available.

Media seeking sound should come to the car dealership at 2950 Satellite Boulevard in Duluth.  The Command Post is behind the dealership and the Fire-PIO is standing by for a little while this afternoon.

GWINNETT FIRE MEDIA ALERT: BRUSH FIRES BURNING ALONG HIGHWAY 316 NEAR I-85

INCIDENT DATE: 04/10/17

TIME DISPATCHED: 11:54 A.M.

“THE INCIDENT IS STILL ONGOING AT THIS TIME”

Gwinnett firefighters are currently on the scene of separate brush fires burning along Highway 316 near Interstate 85 and Pleasant Hill Road.  Fire trucks are converged on the area and are attempting to surround the fire and protect exposures.  The exact cause of the fires is undetermined at this time.  There are no structures involved and no injuries have been reported thus far. 

The Fire-PIO is monitoring the situation and will provide additional media updates as they become available.  I am not clear on traffic impact at the moment, but should have more information shortly.