(Lawrenceville, Ga. January 18, 2019) – Firefighters responded at 2:09 A.M. to a resident’s report of a house fire on the 1300 block of Ashbrook Drive, NE in unincorporated Lawrenceville. The caller to 9-1-1 reported that the garage was on fire.

Crews arrived to find heavy flames showing from the center portion of a single-story, wood-frame house on a slab all the way over to the garage.  The fire had already vented the roof. Firefighters were initially unable to make entrance into the structure, instead having to fight the blaze from outside with multiple fire attack hose lines.  Aerial operations had to be used in order to assist in extinguishing the fire. Once the bulk of the flames had been knocked down, firefighters were able to conduct a primary search.  The blaze caused heavy damage (total loss) to the home and contents.

Two residents were home asleep at the time the fire erupted.  One of the occupants was awakened by the smell of smoke.  When she went to investigate, she saw black smoke coming from the garage.  A second resident was asleep in the back of the house and was also awakened.  As both occupants evacuated the structure, the second resident made the decision to go back inside to rescue his dog.  He was able to retrieve his dog but also sustained minor burns.  He was evaluated and released at the scene by paramedics after declining transport for further evaluation in the emergency room. The dog did not survive nor did a second dog and cat that were found by firefighters during a primary search of the structure.

Per Fire Investigators, the exact cause of the fire is currently undetermined and is under active investigation.  No other injuries were reported. The family of three adults was displaced due to the damage and is receiving assistance from Red Cross. 

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 3-Engines, 1-Ladder Truck, 1-Squad, 1-Medic Units, 1-Air and Light Unit, 2-Battalion Chiefs, 2-Fire Investigators and 1-PIO

FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY MESSAGE:

Firefighters are encouraging all residents to install working smoke alarms on every level of the home and in each of the bedrooms. A working smoke alarm provides early warning during a fire and gives added time to escape. 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.  Never go back inside a burning building and call 9-1-1 immediately to report an emergency.

For additional information on home fire and life safety, please contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction Division at 678.518.4845 or email fireprograms@gwinnettcounty.com.