Neighbor Saves Pets As Roof Collapses During Gwinnett Home Fire

DACULA, GA -- Firefighters responded at 5:09 p.m. to a neighbor report of a house fire in the 2900 block of Superior Drive, SE in Dacula. The caller reported smoke coming from the back of the house. No one was home at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.

A neighbor saw smoke pouring from the back of the house near the chimney area and called 911. The man’s wife was able to contact the homeowner via cellphone to verify that everyone was safe. The homeowner gave the man the garage door code and he was able to let two dogs and a cat out of the house through the kitchen door.

Crews arrived to find a home with heavy flames shooting through the roof. Firefighters deployed fire attack hose lines to knock down the bulk of the flames from the outside. A collapse of the roof prevented fire crews from making immediate entry. Firefighters shot water from multiple handlines and an aerial ladder device to bring the fire under control. The house sustained heavy damage and is considered a total loss due to the fire. Radiant heat from the blaze caused moderate cosmetic damage to the neighbor’s house on the right.

Per investigators, the blaze appears accidental and may have been sparked by discarded smoking materials.

According to fire officials, 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.

For additional information on home fire safety, please contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction Division at 678.518.4845 or email fireprograms@gwinnettcounty.com.

Equipment on the scene: 3-Engines, 1-Ladder Truck, 1-Squad, 1-Medic Unit, 1-Air & Light Unit, 2-Battalion Chiefs, and 2-Fire Investigators.