6 Displaced After Gas Fireplace House Fire

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – A family of six was displaced after a gas fireplace in the master bedroom caused a house fire in the 1700 block of River Crest Way, SE in unincorporated Lawrenceville. The occupants were already outside when fire trucks arrived and no injuries were reported.

Firefighters responded at 2:45 a.m. to a house fire in the attic of the house. The fire attack team fought heavy flames in the attic on the back left corner of the house. Flames broke through the roof around the chimney stack, but left the majority of the roof intact. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the attic and chimney chase. The blaze caused heavy damage to the attic and sent extensive smoke and heat throughout the upstairs portion of the home. Firefighters used plastic covering during salvage operations to protect as many valuables and furnishings as possible from residual water and smoke damage.

According to authorities, the fire appears accidental and originated from the gas fireplace in the master bedroom. A person living in the home reported hearing a noise earlier and thought it was raining outside. Residents told firefighters they were later awakened by the smoke alarm sounding and a haze of smoke in the bedroom.

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The American Red Cross was requested to provide temporary assistance for the family of four adults and two children, displaced by the damage. The family sought refuge from the cold by staying inside a neighbor’s house until Red Cross volunteers arrived.

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

Residents are encouraged to keep their home and family safe by following simple fire safety rules:

• 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.
• Have a collapsible fire escape ladder.
• Keep a portable fire extinguisher close at hand to douse a small fire.

For additional information on home fire safety, contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction Division at 678-518-4845 or emailfireprograms@gwinnettcounty.com.