(Suwanee, Ga., Feb. 12, 2024) – Firefighters responded at 10:44 a.m. to reports of an apartment fire at The Residences on McGinnis Ferry at 4021 McGinnis Ferry Road in Suwanee. The 911 caller advised there was a fire on the back porch. An additional caller stated there was a fire on the balcony of the third-floor apartment, active smoke, and flames.

Upon arrival, crews found a working fire from a three-story apartment building. While investigating, firefighters found fire involvement on the third-floor unit extending into the attic space. Crews deployed three hose lines to extinguish the flames. Firefighters checked for fire in the adjacent apartments and found smoke and water damage. Firefighters confirmed that all persons were evacuated from the apartment units and cleared the lower-level apartments, revealing no fire. Firefighters ensured all fire was extinguished in the structure. Once the fire was controlled, heavy fire damage was found in the initial fire unit on the third floor and approximately five other adjacent units were heavily water-damaged. No injuries or medical complaints were found on the scene.

The occupant stated approximately 15 minutes prior had been on the balcony smoking and then went inside to work. The apartment occupant stated she noticed a popping coming from the balcony of the apartment, turned to look, and found a significant amount of fire on the balcony. Moments later, she ran to get the extinguisher, but by the time she came back to the fire, it had grown significantly, and felt like she needed to evacuate. The occupant then pulled the fire alarm and called 911. Approximately five occupants were evacuated due to the fire. There were 14 individuals who were displaced due to the fire and water damage. The American Red Cross was requested, and the apartment management will be assisting the occupants. Smoke alarms and sprinkler systems were present and active at the time of the fire.

Fire Investigators responded to the scene for cause and determination. Investigators determined the fire originated in the third-floor balcony and the cause to be accidental in nature.

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 5- Engines, 2- Ladder Trucks, 2-Squads, 1-Rescue, 3- Command Staff Units, 1- Med Unit, 1- MS, 1-Air and Light Unit, 1-SRU, 3-Investigators, and 1- PIO.

Note: For pictures of this incident please visit our Facebook and X accounts @GwinnettFire. 

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