(Lawrenceville, Ga., September 8, 2018) – Firefighters responded at 8:03 p.m. to an occupant report of a house fire in the 1700 block of Hearthstone Circle NW in unincorporated Lawrenceville. Caller to 9-1-1 reported a bed on fire in the residence.

Fire crews arrived on scene to find a one-story residence with heavy fire involvement on the left side of the structure and through the roof. All occupants were reported to be outside and safe. Crews deployed multiple fire attack hose lines and made an aggressive interior attack to bring the fire under control. Additional crews completed a primary search of the home and began ventilating the smoke and heat. The home sustained extensive fire damage and partial roof collapse to the left side of the home. The remaining areas of the home sustained moderate smoke, heat and water damage. No injuries were reported on scene.

Two teenagers were in the bedroom where the fire started and quickly alerted the rest of the family in the home. An adult returned to the room to find the bed in the corner of the room fully involved in fire. Smoke detectors had activated while the family was exiting the structure. The American Red Cross responded to the scene and is assisting three adults and two children displaced by the blaze.

A Fire Investigator was requested to respond to the scene for origin and cause determination. Fire Investigators determined the fire originated in the area of the bed against the wall on the left-rear corner of the home. The existing garage is a converted living space where the fire originated. The exact cause is undetermined and under investigation.

Firefighters want to remind citizens 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.  For more information on home fire and life safety, please contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction Division at 678.518.4845 or e-mail fireprograms@gwinnettcounty.com.      

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