UPDATE #1: (Lawrenceville, Ga., January 10, 2020) – According to Fire Investigators, the blaze originated from one of the boats in the lot and spread to the other three that were located in close proximity. The exact cause of the fire is still undetermined and is under active investigation. The damaged boats were all customer-owned and were reportedly at the shop for repairs. The blaze sent thick smoke across the interstate as crews applied water and firefighting foam to extinguish the flames. Fire crews were able to keep the fire from spreading to the building. There were no injuries reported. Additional information will be sent by the Fire-PIO when available. 

FISHING BOATS DAMAGED BY FIRE
Bass Pro Shop at Sugarloaf Mills Mall in Lawrenceville

(Lawrenceville, Ga., January 9, 2020) – Firefighters responded on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at 10:12pm to a report of a fire at the Bass Pro Shop, located at 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, NW in unincorporated Lawrenceville. The caller to 911 reported two boats on fire against the building.

Crews arrived 10:17pm to find heavy smoke and flames showing from several boats in the parking lot on the I-85 side of the building. Firefighters quickly deployed fire attack hose lines and began an aggressive attack to control the flames and protect exposures. Additional units were assigned to check for extension inside the building and on the roof. Mall Security was requested to provide a condition report inside Sugarloaf Mills Mall. A temporary evacuation of anyone inside the structure was initiated until the situation was declared under control at 10:34pm.

The fire was contained to an area of the parking lot that is used for storage. The blaze caused heavy damage to four bass fishing boats and trailers. There was no extension found inside the building or on the roof. Mall Security confirmed that no smoke or fire entered the actual mall. The department’s Hazmat Team was requested to check for potential runoff in a nearby storm drain due to firefighting efforts. There was no significant runoff was detected.  

According to Fire Investigators, the blaze originated from one of the boats and spread to the other three. The exact cause is still undetermined and is under investigation. The damaged boats were all customer owned and were reportedly at the shop for repairs.  

Additional information will be sent by the Fire-PIO when available. 

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 5-Engines, 2-Ladder Trucks, 1-Squad, 1-Hazmat Unit, 1-Air & Light Unit, 1-Medic Unit, 1-Battalion Chief, 1-District Commander, 1-Medic Supervisor, and 1-Fire Investigator.