(Lawrenceville, Ga., August 22, 2019) - Firefighters responded at 7:25am to a report of a grass/woods fire on the 400 block of Downing Street, NW in Lawrenceville. Responding units observed a thick column of smoke from a distance and the call was upgraded to a multi-family dwelling assignment. As additional units were being dispatched, the first-due Engine arrived at the scene to find heavy fire showing from the back of a two-story duplex building.

Firefighters immediately deployed fire attack hose lines and were alerted to a possible entrapment in the duplex unit on the right. Crews gained rapid entry to conduct a primary search and operated in the transitional mode to darken down the bulk of the fire. Flames engulfed the second floor and eventually broke through the roof on the back-left corner of the building. There was no one found inside the duplex by search crews and no civilian injuries were reported. The blaze caused heavy damage to the back of the building and contents.

A firefighter sustained a minor ankle injury during exterior operations and was assessed at the scene.

According to Fire Investigators, the occupants were home in the duplex where the fire started and were alerted by a noise on the back porch. They discovered the fire shortly thereafter and exited the building. The exact cause of the fire is undetermined but Investigators are unable to rule out an open flame related to a bug repellent candle.

Firefighters encourage all citizens to practice home fire safety by doing the following:

• Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or before going to sleep.
• Be sure the wick ember is no longer glowing.
• Keep burning candles away from furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, book, paper, and flammable decorations.
• Keep burning candles out of reach the reach of children and pets.

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 6-Engines, 2-Ladder Trucks, 2-Squads, 1-Air & Light Unit, 2-Medic Units, 1-Special Response Unit, 1-Medic Supervisor, 2-Battalion Chiefs, 1-District Commander, 2-Fire Investigators, 1-Fire Marshal, and 1-PIO.