(Duluth, Ga., Jan. 16, 2024) – Firefighters responded at 5:25 p.m. to reports of an apartment fire at The Everett Apartments at 306 Club Place in Duluth. The 911 caller advised there was smoke coming out of the apartment. The caller stated they were attempting to get people out of the apartment building.

Upon arrival, crews found smoke showing from a two-three split apartment building with a working fire. While investigating, firefighters found fire involvement on the first-floor unit extending into the second-floor units and attic space. Crews deployed three hose lines to fully extinguish the flames. Firefighters checked for extension of the fire in the adjacent apartments and found smoke damage. Firefighters confirmed that all persons were evacuated from the apartment units and cleared the basement-level apartments, revealing no fire. Once the fire was controlled, heavy fire damage was found in the initial fire unit and four other adjacent apartment units with minimal fire and smoke damage to the attic. Smoke and water damage were found on the basement level below the fire unit and adjacent apartment units. No injuries or medical complaints were found on the scene.

The apartment occupant stated he noticed smoke coming from the HVAC unit and notified maintenance, who then looked at it and did not notice any issues. Moments later, the occupant noticed more smoke coming from the unit and called 911. Approximately 10 occupants were evacuated due to the fire. There were 14 adults and six children who were displaced due to the fire, smoke, and water damage. The American Red Cross was requested and will be assisting the occupants. Smoke alarms were present at the time of the fire.

Fire Investigators responded to the scene for cause and determination. Investigators determined the fire originated in the first-floor unit and the cause to be accidental due to a possible HVAC malfunction.

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 4- Engines, 2- Ladder Trucks, 1- Squad, 2-Rescues, 3- Command Staff Units, 1- Med Unit, 1- MS, 1-Air and Light Unit, 1-SRU, 1-Investigator, and 1- PIO.

Note: For pictures of this incident please visit our Facebook and X accounts @GwinnettFire.

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