This update provided by the Fire-APIO on 6/3/19.Fire Investigators have ruled the fire accidental and electrical in nature. The fire originated in the area of a power strip. The fire is not related to the apartment fire at the same complex on May 30, 2019. The fire on that date started in the wall between adjoining apartments and the exact cause is undetermined but not suspected to be criminal in nature.

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Eight Units Damaged in Norcross Apartment Fire

1100 Block of Forest Vale Way NW, Norcross

(Norcross, Ga., June 2, 2019) – Fire crews responded to a report of a fire on the 1100 block of Forest Vale Way NW in unincorporated Norcross. The caller to 9-1-1 reportedly saw flames and smoke coming from an apartment.

As crews headed in the direction of the dispatched address they could see a thick column of black smoke on the skyline.  Upon their arrival, firefighters found heavy flames pushing out of the left-rear side of the two-story, wood-framed apartment building.  Fire personnel quickly went to each unit in the affected building and ensured that everyone had safely evacuated. Due to the size of the fire, the tactical decision was made to attack the intense blaze with a 2 ½-inch hand line along with a 1 ¾-inch hand line. Firefighters were able to locate and connect their apparatus to a hydrant, giving the attack team ample time to try and suppress the flames. Ground ladders were placed around the building to provide fire personnel a means of escaping the building if necessary. Although there was no loss of human life, one of two canines was found deceased after being extricated during primary and secondary searches.  Per the District Commander, crews were successful in extinguishing the blaze but there is extensive fire damage to both sides of the breezeway, most notably to the two units upstairs on the backside of the building.  There is extensive smoke and water damage noted to the two lower units on the backside of the building. A walkthrough of the four units on the front of the breezeway revealed a hole in the roof and extensive smoke damage.

A Fire Investigator is actively trying to determine the cause and point of origin of the fire.  Per property management, a total of 35 individuals (20 adults and 15 children) have been displaced.  Management is taking inventory of available units within the complex to provide temporary relief for the tenants.  Assistance from the American Red Cross will be provided to any remaining tenants that the complex will not be able to accommodate.  Firefighters had their gear properly decontaminated prior to their rotating in and out of rehab.  They rehydrated well and did not report any injuries prior to returning to service.

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 5-Engines, 2-Trucks, 1-Squad, 1-Medic Unit, 1-Medical Supervisor, 1-Air & Light Truck, 1-Rehab Unit, 2-Battalion Chiefs, 1-District Commander, 1-Fire Investigator, and 1-PIO.