(Snellville, Ga., October 13, 2022) - Firefighters were dispatched at 8:24 a.m. to a report of a smoke alarm activation at South Gwinnett High School in Snellville. A few seconds after dispatch a student called 911 and reported smoke filling the third floor. The incident was upgraded to a structure fire. Evacuation was started by the Resource Officers before the crew's arrival.

Upon arrival, fire crews found a complete evacuation of the building in progress and assisted. Investigation revealed a small fire in the bathroom. The crew used an extinguisher to suppress the fire. The fire did not spread to other areas of the school nor was there structural damage sustained by the building. Ventilation of the building was performed, with assistance from resource officers and building maintenance. 

One patient was treated for an unrelated medical issue and transported to a local hospital. There were no other injuries reported at the incident. Firefighters were able to determine that the fire was incendiary in nature.

The SRO contacted the on-duty Fire Investigator for technical assistance and advised that their agency would be conducting the investigation. The scene was turned over to Gwinnett County Public Schools Police for further investigation and report handling. The school was able to resume normal activities for the remainder of the day. 

EQUIPMENT AT SCENE INCLUDED: 2-Engines, 3-Ladder Trucks, 1-Squad, 1-Rescue, 1-Medic Unit, 2-Command Staff Units, 1-Fire Investigators. A total of 26 fire personnel responded. 

###