This update provided by the Gwinnett Fire PIO on Monday, April 16, 2018. The exact cause of Sunday’s fatal house fire on Bleeker Street is still undetermined.  The fire appears to have started in the corner of the garage that was converted to a living room.  Smoke alarms located in the home were believed to be inoperable at the time of the fire.   

Fire Investigators say there were several potential ignition sources found within the area of origin.  So far, they have been unable to rule-out multiple electrical components or an accidental human act as a possible cause.  Furnishings in the room included a couch, table, lamp, power strip, space heater and other household items.  Medical oxygen tanks found in the debris could have contributed to the fire's intensity.  Fire Investigators finished processing the scene Sunday evening and collected debris samples to be sent for lab testing.  Fire crews assisted family members with gathering a few belongings from the house before leaving the scene. 

The victim was found lying on the floor in the fire room near the back door.  The man sustained obvious injuries related to smoke and heat exposure.  It is unknown whether he was trying to escape the burning home, or if he was looking for the dogs to get them out.  The cause of death will be determined by the Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s Office.  The name of the victim and cause of death will be released by the Medical Examiner when available.

FATAL HOUSE FIRE

Bleeker Street, SW in unincorporated Lawrenceville 

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.                                                 

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