(Lawrenceville, Ga., November 26, 2018) – Firefighters responded at 4:05 a.m. to an occupant report of a house fire at 1088 Buford Drive NE in Lawrenceville. Caller to 911 reported the trailer was on fire and everyone was out of the structure. 

Fire crews arrived on scene and found a single-wide manufactured home with smoke and flames showing. Occupants were outside and safely away from the structure. Firefighters quickly deployed fire attack hose lines and made an aggressive interior attack. Multiple hose lines were used to bring the blaze under control. Additional crews worked quickly to establish a positive water supply at the closest hydrant approximately 500 feet away from the structure. The home is considered a total loss due to the extensive damage. A Fire Investigator responded to the scene to assist with origin and cause determination. The Investigator determined the fire originated in the wall in the kitchen and was caused by faulty electrical wiring. No injuries were reported.

The occupants stated an adult male had awakened to use the restroom and get a snack from the kitchen when he encountered heavy smoke in the home. He quickly alerted the rest of the family and everyone was able to escape. The fire displaced a family of five including four adults and one child. The American Red Cross was requested to provide assistance to the family. A dog and cat were able to be removed from the home but a pet rabbit was found deceased inside. The dog was unresponsive upon being removed and a Gwinnett County Police Officer performed compressions on the dog. The dog was revived by the officer’s intervention and fire crews later used a pet oxygen mask to further assist in the dog’s recovery. The dog appeared to be doing well and is with the family.

Firefighters encourage all citizens to practice home fire safety, especially during the busy holiday season. Be sure install working smoke alarms on every level of the home and in each bedroom. Develop a home escape plan and practice fire drills regularly. Check and maintain home heating appliances such as the furnace, fireplace and space heater. For additional information on home fire safety, please contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction Division at 678-518-4845 or email fireprograms@gwinnettcounty.com.     

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 3-Engines, 1-Ladder Truck, 1-Squad, 1-Medic Unit, 1-Air & Light Unit, 1-Rehab Unit, 2-Battalion Chiefs, 1-Fire Investigator and 1 -PIO