(Suwanee, Ga., August 28, 2018) – Firefighters responded at 9:53 a.m., to a passerby report of a house fire in the 4963 block of Brendlynn Drive, NE in unincorporated Suwanee.  A neighbor also called 9-1-1 to report smoke showing from the residence.  There was no answer at the door according to the passerby.   

Firefighters arrived to find a working fire on the front-left side of a large (approximately 8,600 square foot) multi-story home.  There was heavy fire blowing out the front and side windows of the house and flames already through the roof.  Firefighters quickly deployed fire attack hose lines and began to battle the blaze.  Fire crews were not able to make immediate entry inside the burning home due to the magnitude of the fire and a partial collapse.  Firefighters reported heavy fire in the basement that burned through the upper floors and extended to the attic.  Firefighters flowed water from multiple hand lines and an aerial ladder truck to bring the fire under control.  There is heavy damage to the structure. 

The owner arrived at the scene and gave firefighters a verbal all-clear of the structure.  He advised that the home is vacant and was currently up for sale.  The owner stated that a realtor reported trouble with the electrical breaker box in the home yesterday.  The blaze appears to have started in the area of a utility room in the basement.  The exact cause of the fire is undetermined and is currently under investigation.      

Two firefighters were evaluated at the scene for a heat-related condition as they worked during the hottest part of the day in heavy gear to bring the fire under control.  Both firefighters are doing fine and did not have to go to the hospital.   

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 7-Engines, 2-Ladder Trucks, 1-Squad, 2-Medic Ambulances, 1-Air & Light Unit, 1-Rehab Unit, 2-Support Staff Units, 3-Battalion Chiefs, 3-Fire Investigators and 1- PIO