News Details
WOMAN DIES IN TOWNHOME FIRE WILLOWGATE CIRCLE, NW IN LILBURN
(Lilburn, Ga., Oct. 16, 2020) – Gwinnett County firefighters found a woman in her late 60’s, deceased inside a townhome fire in Lilburn Thursday night, Oct. 15, 2020. Crews responded to the scene around 8:21 p.m., after a neighbor called 911 to report smoke and flames coming from the second-floor of a center townhome unit in a triplex building.
Firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames inside an upstairs bedroom on arrival. Firefighters discovered the female deceased inside the fire room during an initial search of the structure. The woman was the only one inside the townhome at the time and no other injuries were reported.
The exact cause of the fire is currently undetermined and is under active investigation. The blaze was contained to the upstairs bedroom on the front-left corner and caused heavy damage to the room and contents. There was extensive smoke and water damage throughout the townhome unit.
Due to federal patient privacy laws known as HIPAA, the Fire-PIO is unable to identify the deceased female or provide specific injury information. A cause of death determination will be conducted by the Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s Office.
This tragic fire is a reminder of the importance of incorporating home fire safety practices. Firefighters encourage residents to install working smoke alarms on every level of the home and in each of the bedrooms. Develop a home fire escape plan and practice fire drills regularly. Look for and eliminate home hazards that could cause a fire to start or grow in intensity.
October is fire prevention month in Gwinnett County. For additional information on home fire safety programs, please contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction Division at 678.518.4845 or email fireprograms@gwinnettcounty.com.