Norcross, Ga., January 23, 2020) – Gwinnett County firefighters worked fast to contain a balcony fire Thursday evening to a single apartment unit. Crews were dispatched to the scene after a resident of the complex called 911 to report the fire. A call was also received from the alarm monitoring company.

The first-due engine arrived to find flames and smoke coming from the balcony of a third-floor apartment unit. Firefighters quickly stretched a fire attack hose line up the stairs to extinguish the blaze and conduct a primary search. The fire had already extended inside the apartment unit and penetrated part of the attic space as crews gained entry. The aggressive actions of the firefighters kept the flames from spreading to the adjoining apartment units. The fire caused moderate damage inside the origin apartment and extensive cosmetic damage to the exterior of the building. There was residual water damage to the two apartments directly below due to water runoff from the sprinkler system.

Per the Fire Investigator, the blaze appears to have started on the balcony from discarded smoking materials. Occupants of the apartment where the fire started were not home at the time flames erupted and returned as crews were putting the fire out. There were no injuries reported.

Residents of the building were temporarily evacuated, but were allowed to return to their apartments once the situation was declared under control. Occupants in the three affected apartment units were displaced due to the damage and were being assisted by the American Red Cross

This fire is a good example of why it’s important to properly dispose of smoking materials. 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: 4-Engines, 2-Ladder Trucks, 1-Squad, 1-Air & Light Unit, 1-Medic Unit, 2-Battalion Chiefs, 1-District Commander and 1-Fire Investigator.