News Details
DOGS ALERT FAMILY TO OVERNIGHT FIRE
(Lawrenceville, Ga., August 26, 2018) – Firefighters responded at 3:40 a.m. to an occupant report of a house fire in the 1000 block of Appian Way NW in unincorporated Lawrenceville. Caller to 9-1-1 reported the side of the house was on fire and everyone had exited the structure. Prior to units arriving on scene, the occupant stated the fire was spreading to the attic.
Fire crews arrived on scene to find a two-story residence with heavy smoke billowing from the front of the home. All occupants had evacuated prior to arrival and were safely outside. While crews quickly deployed fire attack hose lines, the converted garage into living space became heavily involved in fire and broke through the roof. Multiple hose lines were deployed to attack the blaze and bring it under control. Additional crews protected a nearby exposure and completed a search of the home. The home sustained heavy fire damage to the converted living space, second floor and attic. The rest of the main house sustained moderate smoke, heat and water damage. Due to the aggressive interior fire attack made by firefighters, a large two-story addition attached to the rear of the home sustained only minor damage. There was no damage is exposures. No injuries were reported at the scene.
Occupants were asleep at the time of the fire and were alerted by their two dogs barking. Shortly after being alerted by the dogs, the smoke alarms activated in the home. The occupants declined Red Cross assistance. The occupants displaced include two adults, four children and two dogs.
A Fire Investigator was requested to respond to the scene for origin and cause determination. The Fire Investigator determined the fire originated on the outside front/right corner of the home near the trash can. The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time and under investigation.
Firefighters want to remind citizens to 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: 3-Engines, 1-Truck, 1-Squad, 1-Hazmat Unit, 1-Air & Light Unit, 1-Medic Unit, 2-Battalion Chiefs, 2-Fire Investigators and 1-PIO.