(Buford, Ga., July 25, 2018) – Firefighters responded at 5:48 a.m. to an occupant report of a house fire in the 600 block of Riverside Road NE in Buford. Caller to 9-1-1 reported the front porch on fire and attempting to get family pets out of the home.

Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire coming from the porch of a two-story residence on a basement. The home was well off the roadway with a steep driveway. Fire attack hose lines were quickly deployed, knocking down the bulk of the fire on the porch and transitioning to an interior fire attack. The fire had extended to a void space above the front porch and was making its way to the roof when firefighters were able to knock it down and extinguish the blaze. Additional crews completed a search of the home and located two deceased dogs. The fire caused heavy damage to the front porch, stairway and part of the attic. The rest of the home sustained smoke and water damage. No injuries on the scene.

The occupant stated she was sleeping at the time of the fire and woke up to the smoke alarm sounding. Upon investigating, she located the fire on the front porch and called 9-1-1. The occupant declined Red Cross assistance and has a place to stay in the area. The property is also home to a private horse stable known as Brookmore Farm. There were no stables involved or injuries to horses at the location.

A Fire Investigator was requested to respond to the scene for origin and cause determination. The Fire Investigator has ruled the fire accidental. The origin of the fire started in close proximity to an outlet on the front porch due to an electrical fault.

Firefighters are urging all residents to install and maintain working smoke alarms inside the home, one on every level and in each of the bedrooms.  Develop a home fire escape plan and practice fire drills regularly.  Test smoke alarms monthly and make sure everyone can hear the beep.  Have a portable fire extinguisher close at hand and provide a collapsible fire escape ladder for upper floors.

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 4-Engines, 1-Truck, 1-Air & Light Unit, 1-Medic Unit, 2-Battalion Chief, 1-Fire Investigator and 1-PIO.