Firefighters responded at 2:14 p.m., to a report from a passerby of a house fire in the 2100 block of Luke Edwards Road, SE in Dacula.  The caller to 9-1-1 reported smoke and flames visible. 

Crews arrived to find a large two-story (approx. 12,000 square foot) wood-frame house fully involved.  The house is situated well-off the roadway on Luke Edwards, between Cammie Wages and Edwards Estate.  Firefighters deployed attack and supply hose lines and battled the blaze from outside the structure, due to the magnitude of the fire and intense flames and heat.  Neighbors gave arriving crews a verbal “all-clear” and advised that the occupants are out of town.  Several dogs were able to be safely removed from the backyard.

A total of three firefighters showed symptoms of heat-related illness while battling the blaze during the hottest part of the day.  Two firefighters were transported to the hospital for treatment.  The third firefighter was evaluated and released at the scene by paramedics.  The third firefighter went home for the remainder of the shift.  All three firefighters are doing ok and are expected to make a full recovery.

At 3:54 p.m., firefighters had to temporarily suspend firefighting efforts due to a strong thunderstorm that moved through the area while they were battling the blaze.  They were able to resume defensive operations once the storm passed.  It was not storming at the time the fire erupted.  The flames became wind-driven as the storm moved through.  The structure and contents are a total loss. 

A tractor from the Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources was requested to assist with separating debris and pushing over unstable walls in order for firefighters to complete extinguishment of hot spots.

The exact cause of the fire is currently undetermined and is under investigation.     

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 5-Engines, 1-Ladder Truck, 1-Squad, 3-Medic Units, 1-Air& Light Unit, 1-Rehab Unit, 2-Battalion Chiefs, 1-Deputy Chief, 1-Fire Investigator and 1-PIO

DROPBOX VIDEO/PHOTO LINK FROM THE SCENE: https://www.dropbox.com/s/va3qysc1q3z9f35/Gwinnett%20House%20Fire%20-%20Luke%20Edwards%20Road%2007-04-17.mp4?dl=0