(Lawrenceville, Ga., July 29, 2018) – Firefighters responded at 3:09 a.m. to a neighbor report of a house fire in the 100 block of Ashland Manor Drive SE in unincorporated Lawrenceville. Caller to 9-1-1 reported the neighbor’s house was on fire and flames were coming from the roof. The neighbor stated the occupants were evacuating the residence.

Fire crews arrived on scene to find a two-story, split-foyer residence with heavy fire involvement in the rear of the structure and through the roof. All occupants had evacuated prior to arrival and were safely outside. Fire attack hose lines were quickly deployed to the rear of the structure to knock down the bulk of the fire and protect an immediate exposure on the right side of the home. Additional crews entered the front of the structure for a transitional fire attack and to complete a primary search. Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control and limit damage to exposures. The home sustained extensive damage to the second floor and attic with water and smoke throughout the entire home. The home to the right of primary structure sustained radiant heat damage to the vinyl siding. The home on the left side of the primary structure was not damaged. No injuries were reported at the scene.

Occupants were alerted by a neighbor banging on the front door. Before exiting the home, occupants found the back porch engulfed in flames. Smoke detectors were present in the home but due to the location of the fire, did not activate. The occupants declined Red Cross assistance. The occupants displaced include three adults and one dog.

The occupants of the home reported using a charcoal grill on the back porch last night. A Fire Investigator was requested to respond to the scene for origin and cause determination. The Fire Investigator has ruled the fire accidental and determined the coals from the charcoal grill started the fire.

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-Air & Light Unit, 1-Medic Unit, 2-Battalion Chief, 1-Fire Investigator, 1-Assistant Fire Marshal and 1-PIO.