35 Firefighters Needed To Fight Blaze At 2 Homes

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – Thirty-five firefighters were needed to put out a fire at two Lawrenceville homes Saturday. No injuries were reported.

Firefighters responded at 7:57 p.m. to multiple reports of a house fire in the area of the 700 block of Parc River Boulevard NW in unincorporated Lawrenceville.

Fire crews arrived on scene and found heavy fire through the roof of a home. Additional fire crews were needed because the fire had spread to the house next door. Approximately 35 firefighters controlled the flames in 25 minutes. The original home sustained extensive damage to the second floor and burnt through the majority of the roof. The rest of the home sustained water damage throughout. The home on the left side sustained heavy damage to the vinyl siding and had minor fire extension into the attic.

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A fire investigator responded to the scene to assist with origin and cause determination. According to the investigator, the fire originated in a trashcan located between the two homes but next to the primary structure. The cause was determined to be improperly disposed ashes from a charcoal grill.

Occupants from both homes were away when the fire broke out. The occupants for the first home returned during the incident. The neighboring home’s occupants have been notified. A total of seven people including five adults and two children are displaced from the primary residence due to the damage. The American Red Cross is on scene and providing assistance.

Firefighters encourage all citizens to practice home fire safety, especially during the busy holiday season. Be sure install working smoke alarms on every level of the home and in each bedroom. Develop a home escape plan and practice fire drills regularly. Check and maintain home heating appliances such as the furnace, fireplace and space heater. 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 AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 5-Engines, 2-Ladder Trucks, 1-Squad, 1-Hazmat Unit, 2-Medic Units, 1-Air & Light Unit, 1- Medical Supervisor, 2-Battalion Chiefs and 1-Fire Investigator.

Photos courtesy Gwinnett Fire Department