News Details
TOWNHOME FIRE DISPLACES MULTIPLE RESIDENTS
Firefighters responded at 11:33 p.m., to an occupant report of a fire at Robinwood Townhomes, 2340 block of Beaver Ruin Road, NW in (unincorporated) Norcross. The caller to 9-1-1 reported flames in his unit and that he was alerting other residents to evacuate the building.
Crews arrived on scene to find a working fire in a two-story, wood-framed townhome building with ten units. Firefighters had heavy fire involvement on the rear of the structure and through the roof. An aggressive interior attack was made by first arriving units. With the intense blaze, firefighters were forced to back out of the structure and fight the fire from the outside. Multiple hose lines and two aerial apparatus were operated to bring the flames under control. Once the bulk of the fire was knocked down, crews were able to go back inside to complete extinguishment. Fire units are staying on scene throughout the night monitoring for hot spots. Residents were already exiting the building when fire crews arrived and total evacuation was completed with assistance from Gwinnett County Police. No occupant or firefighter injuries were reported.
A Fire Investigator was requested to respond and assist with the origin and cause determination. Per the Fire Investigator, a male occupant in the unit where the fire started reportedly had a fire burning in the fireplace. It is unknown at this point if the fireplace was an ignition source. The exact cause is undetermined and under active investigation.
The American Red Cross was contacted to assist approximately 24 occupants from the 8 units displaced. Two units in the building are vacant.
Firefighters encourage all citizens to practice home fire safety, especially during the busy holiday season. Be sure install working smoke alarms on every level of the home and in each bedroom. Develop a home escape plan and practice fire drills regularly. Check and maintain home heating appliances such as the furnace, fireplace and space heater.
EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 5-Engines, 2-Trucks, 1-Squad, 1-Air/Light Unit, 1-Medic Unit, 1-Rehab Unit, 1-Medical Supervisor, 2-Battalion Chiefs, 1-District Commander, 1-Arson Investigator and 1-PIO.
INCIDENT DATE: 11/21/17
TIME DISPATCHED: 11:33 P.M.
TIME ARRIVED: 11:39 P.M.
TIME UNDER CONTROL: 12:10 A.M.