(Buford, Ga., Nov. 2, 2023) − Firefighters responded at 3:52 p.m. to Valley Insulation, located at 4445 Commerce Drive in Buford. An occupant of the building called 911 and reported the gutter room was on fire.

Upon arrival, fire crews found a multifunctional commercial structure with offices towards the front of the building and a two-story warehouse behind with smoke showing from the front office spaces. Firefighters initially found fire in the office space on the main level. Firefighters encountered low visibility as they attempted to locate the seat of the fire. Firefighters utilized two hose lines, to completely extinguish the flames. Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) fans and skylights were opened to ventilate the main office areas. Heavy fire damage was found in one of the office spaces. Moderate smoke damage was found throughout the remaining office spaces on the main level. Firefighters contained the fire to the office space that was used as a storage room, with no extension into other areas of the building. Firefighters ensured the entire structure was evacuated to include the workers, which was a total of four individuals. Medical crews on the scene obtained four patient releases; no individuals required transport to the hospital.

Workers inside the building at the time of the fire stated they noticed a smell of smoke, then looked into the other office spaces and saw dark smoke coming from the other side of the building. No smoke alarm activation and no sprinklers were in the building. Firefighters contacted the owner of the building to ensure he was en route, and the building was turned over to the owner once the firefighters cleared the scene.

Fire investigators responded to the scene for origin and cause determination. Fire investigators determined the fire to be accidental and electrical in nature.

Note: For pictures of this incident please visit our Facebook account @GwinnettFire.

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 6- Engines, 2- Ladder Trucks, 1-Squad, 1-Medical Supervisor, 1- Med Unit, 4- Command Staff Vehicles, 1- Air and Light Unit, 2- Fire Investigators, and 1- PIO.