News Details
OVERNIGHT FIRE DAMAGES NORCROSS APARTMENTS
(Norcross, Ga., July 15, 2018) – Firefighters responded at 3:25 a.m., to a report of an apartment fire at the KRC Hilltops Apartments, located at 5651 Brook Hollow Parkway, NW in Norcross.
Crews found flames and smoke showing from two apartment units on the front of a two-story, wood-frame building. Residents were going door-to-door to evacuate the building as fire crews arrived. Firefighters quickly deployed attack hose lines to control the bulk of the flames as they made entry inside to complete extinguishment and conduct a search. Firefighters worked fast and successfully contained the fire to the original units involved.
The exact cause of the fire is currently undetermined and is under investigation. The blaze caused heavy damage to two units, and smoke and water damage in several adjoining units. The occupant was reportedly home in the unit where the fire started, but left the scene shortly after police and firefighters arrived. The Fire Investigator is still attempting to locate the occupant in order to determine what may have sparked the fire.
A resident of the building was assessed by paramedics for a medical complaint and was released at the scene. There were no other injuries reported as a result of the fire. The American Red Cross was contacted to provide assistance for approximately 17 people displaced by the damage. Power had to be cut to the entire building because of the damage.
The fire sprinkler system for the building was not operational at the time of today’s fire. A resident stated that the system was turned off in late March, due to water leaking in her apartment. Firefighters that responded to the water leak in March, instructed management at the complex to conduct a fire-watch and to notify their sprinkler company for repairs. It is unknown why the system was not fully functional today. The fire department’s Community Risk Reduction Division/Fire Marshal’s Office will follow up on the status of the building's suppression system.
According to fire officials, if you live in a house or apartment, remember to practice fire safety by eliminating hazards that could cause a fire to start. Install working smoke alarms on every level and in each of the bedrooms. Develop a home fire escape plan and practice fire drills regularly. Keep a portable (multi-purpose ABC) fire extinguisher close at hand to douse small fires. Apartment residents are encouraged to report issues with fire protection and evacuation systems to the management office for the complex.
EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 4-Engines, 2-Ladder Trucks, 1-Squad, 2-Medic Units, 1-Rehab Unit, 2-Battalion Chiefs, 1-District Commander, 1-Fire Investigator, 1-Fire Inspector, 1-Medic Supervisor and 1-PIO.
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