(Lawrenceville, Ga., January 9, 2020) – Firefighters responded at 10:12pm to a report of a fire at the Bass Pro Shop, located at 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, NW in unincorporated Lawrenceville. The caller to 911 reported two boats on fire against the building.

Crews arrived 10:17pm to find heavy smoke and flames showing from several boats in the parking lot on the I-85 side of the building. Firefighters quickly deployed fire attack hose lines and began an aggressive attack to control the flames and protect exposures. Additional units were assigned to check for extension inside the building and on the roof. Mall Security was requested to provide a condition report inside Sugarloaf Mills Mall. A temporary evacuation of anyone inside the structure was initiated until the situation was declared under control at 10:34pm.

The fire was contained to an area of the parking lot that is used for storage. The blaze caused heavy damage to four bass fishing boats and trailers. There was no extension found inside the building or on the roof. Mall Security confirmed that no smoke or fire entered the actual mall. The department’s Hazmat Team was requested to check for potential runoff in a nearby storm drain due to firefighting efforts. There was no significant runoff was detected.  

The exact cause of the fire is currently undetermined and is under investigation. A Fire Investigator was requested to respond to the scene for origin and cause determination.

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 5-Engines, 2-Ladder Trucks, 1-Squad, 1-Hazmat Unit, 1-Air & Light Unit, 1-Medic Unit, 1-Battalion Chief, 1-District Commander, 1-Medic Supervisor, and 1-Fire Investigator.