(Duluth, Ga., Mar. 2, 2021) – Firefighters responded at 12:50 a.m. to a resident report of a house fire with a person trapped inside on Whitney Park Drive NW in Duluth. Crews found heavy flames and smoke showing from a two-story, wood-frame house when they arrived at 12:54 a.m. Initial reports of an elderly female trapped inside were confirmed.

The first-due engine company was met with an elderly male and a caretaker outside when they arrived. Flames were intense as firefighters entered the house to rescue the trapped victim from a back bedroom. The woman was removed from the upstairs bedroom during the primary search and was transported to the hospital with injuries conducive to the fire. The woman succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. The caretaker was evaluated and released at the scene by paramedics. The elderly male was not hurt.

According to Fire Investigators, the blaze started on the covered back porch and spread to the roofline and interior of the home. The fire appears accidental and the exact cause is still undetermined. The blaze caused heavy fire damage to the home and contents. The main body of fire was knocked down at 1:32 a.m. and the scene was declared under control at 2:19 a.m.

The Fire-PIO is unable to identify the female or provide specific injury information due to federal patient privacy laws known as HIPAA. The Fire PIO responded to the scene. Additional information will be sent when available.

This tragic fire is an important reminder to practice fire safety every day. Be sure to protect your family and home by installing working smoke alarms, developing a home escape plan, and practicing fire drills regularly. Look for and eliminate home hazards that could cause a fire to start or grow in intensity. For additional information on home fire safety, please contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction Division at 678.518.4845 or email fireprograms@gwinnettcounty.com.

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 4-Engines, 1-Ladder Truck, 1-Squad, 2-Medic Units, 1-Air & Light Unit, 2-Battalion Chiefs, 1-District Commander, 1-Medic Supervisor, 2-Fire Investigators, and 1-PIO.

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