UPDATE #1: (Buford, Ga., Jan. 22, 2024) – The house firefighters responded to was the residence of a Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services employee who was not home at the time of the fire. Department staff are extending multiple resources to the family while keeping County dignitaries and the County Administrator’s office updated with any concerns or needs.

ORIGINAL: (Buford, Ga., Jan. 21, 2024) - At 6:00 a.m., firefighters responded to a report of a house fire on the 1800 block of Patrick Mill Place NE in Buford. The 911 caller said that a house was on fire at the location. Moments later, 911 dispatchers received a second call from the resident of the home on fire, who confirmed that his house was on fire and there were two dogs still inside the house.

Firefighters arrived at 6:07 a.m. and reported heavy fire showing from a single-story, single-family dwelling on a slab. Further investigation revealed that the radiant heat was melting the next-door neighbor’s house siding. Firefighters deployed multiple handlines to combat the flames and protect the neighbor’s home. After firefighters gained control of the fire at 6:35 a.m., search teams confirmed that everyone had safely escaped the residence before their arrival. Crews continued to search for two family canines while suppressing smoldering portions of the structure. Firefighters were able to locate both family pets and reunited them with their owners. Buford Gas and Georgia Power responded to the incident and secured utility service to the residence.

One adult was treated and released by medical crews on the scene for non-life-threatening medical complaints. There were no other injuries at this incident. The homeowner told firefighters he was sleeping when a loud ‘boom’ startled him. He investigated the sound and discovered a fire in his garage. He immediately made his escape and called 911.

Challenges experienced by crews on the scene included the environmental concerns associated with fire ground operations in temperatures below 12 degrees Fahrenheit. The structure was a complete loss, displacing three adult family members and two dogs. The American Red Cross will be assisting the residents. Due to the weather conditions and water on the street remaining from fire operations, firefighters requested a sand truck from the Gwinnett County Department of Transportation. Fire investigators said that the cause of this fire remains under investigation.

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 4-Engines, 1-Trucks, 1-Squad, 2-Med Units, 1-Command Staff Vehicle, 1-Air and Light, 1-SRU, 1-Fire Investigator, and 1-PIO.

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

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