(Norcross, Ga., April 28, 2020) – Firefighters responded at 7:32pm to a resident report of an apartment fire on the 2020 block of Rockbridge Court, NW in unincorporated Norcross. The caller to 911 reported the alarms going off.

Crews arrived to find heavy flames showing from the roof and in the attic of a two-story, multi-unit apartment building. All occupants were in the process of self-evacuation as fire trucks and police were arriving at the scene. Firefighters quickly deployed fire attack and water supply hose lines to combat the blaze. Crews made entry, but were forced out due to a partial roof collapse and rapidly deteriorating fire conditions. Command ordered both aerial ladders and multiple hand lines to flow on the fire to knockdown the bulk of the flames from the exterior. Crews eventually went back inside to complete extinguishment and to conduct overhaul operations. The blaze caused heavy fire damage to the roof and extensive fire damage to eight individual apartment units. Four other units sustained residual smoke and water damage.

Two adults were assessed at the scene by paramedics for minor exposure to smoke. One adult was transported to the hospital for further medical evaluation and treatment. The American Red Cross was contacted to assist approximately 40 residents displaced from the building.

A Fire Investigator responded to the scene to assist with origin and cause determination. The investigator ruled the blaze accidental due to a grease fire in the kitchen during cooking. An occupant of the apartment attempted to douse the fire with a portable extinguisher, but was unsuccessful.

Cooking is a leading cause of residential fires year-round. Firefighters encourage all residents to follow safe cooking practices and to supervise food on the stove or in the oven. Keep a portable fire extinguisher close at hand to douse a small fire. Install working smoke alarms on every level and develop a home fire escape plan.

For additional information on apartment fire safety, please contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction Division at 678.518.4845 or email fireprograms@gwinnettcounty.com.       

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 7-Engines, 2-Ladder Trucks, 2-Medic Units, 1-Squad, 1-Water Tender, 1- Air & Light Unit, 1-Medic Supervisor, 2-Battalion Chiefs, District Commander, 1-Fire Investigator and 1-PIO