(Lawrenceville, Ga., Oct. 17, 2020) – Gwinnett County firefighters responded at 5:58 a.m. to an occupant report of a house fire on the 500 block of Shoal Circle, SE in Lawrenceville. Four adult occupants and a dog escaped unharmed and there were no injuries reported. The house was fully-involved when fire trucks arrived at 6:03 a.m. Flames were already shooting through the roof over much of the structure as crews deployed fire attack and water supply hose lines. The blaze was declared under control at 6:43 a.m.

Firefighters flowed water from two hand lines and the aerial ladder pipes to knock down the bulk of the flames from the exterior of the home before going inside. An occupant asleep on the couch in the den awoke to the smell of smoke and discovered the garage on fire upon opening the interior door. The man alerted the other occupants and attempted to douse the flames with a portable fire extinguisher. The smoke alarms began sounding as the family exited the home.

The blaze originated in the garage and is currently undetermined and is under investigation. The structure and contents were a total loss. The American Red Cross was contacted to provide temporary assistance for the displaced occupants.

This fire is a reminder of the importance of practicing home fire safety. Firefighters encourage residents 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. Look for and eliminate home hazards that could cause a fire to start or grow in intensity.

October is fire prevention month in Gwinnett County. For additional information on home fire safety programs, 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, 2-Ladder Trucks, 1-Squad, 1-Medic-Unit, 1-Air & Light Unit, 1-Rehab Unit, 2-Battalion Commanders, 1-Fire Investigator and 1-PIO.

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