Floodlight Causes Fire That Destroys Family's House

DACULA, GA – An electrical problem with a floodlight is to blame for causing a fire and destroying a Dacula family's home Friday, according to fire investigators. Several occupants were home at the time the fire erupted and escaped unharmed. There were no injuries reported.

Firefighters responded at 5:44 p.m., to a report of a house fire in the 2500 block of Kelman Place, NE in Dacula. There were multiple calls to 911 reporting the fire, with one caller stating that flames were visible and everyone was getting out.

Crews arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the house over a basement. Firefighters were able to contain the bulk of the fire to the closet and bathroom above the garage on the front-left corner of the house. The blaze caused heavy damage to the master bedroom suite and sent extensive smoke throughout the rest of the second floor. There was residual water damage to part of the first floor and basement area.

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Firefighters stopped the spread of the fire, but not before flames broke through part of the roof over the garage. Crews had to pull sheetrock throughout the upstairs portion of the home to check for extension and complete fire extinguishment.

The American Red Cross was requested to provide temporary assistance for the family, three adults and one teenager were displaced by the damage.

Per fire investigators, the blaze appears accidental and was sparked by a compromised electrical line to an exterior floodlight at the corner of the garage. The flames burned inside the wall and floor between the garage and the closet directly above.

Fire officials suggest having a working smoke alarm on every level of the home and in each of the bedrooms. Be sure to test the alarm monthly and change the battery twice a year. Develop a home fire escape plan and practice fire drills regularly. Keep a portable (ABC) multi-purpose fire extinguisher close at hand in the kitchen to douse a small fire. Look for and eliminate home hazards that could cause a fire to start or spread quickly. Keep your home and family safe by practicing fire safety every day.

For more information on residential fire safety, please contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction/Education Section at 678.518.4845 or e-mail fireprograms@gwinnettcounty.com.

Equipment at the scene included: four engines, one ladder truck, one squad, one medic unit, one air & light unit, one rehab unit, two battalion chiefs, one deputy chief, and two fire Investigators.

Photos courtesy Gwinnett Fire Department