Faulty Lighter Cause Of Gwinnett Townhome Fire

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA -- A faulty lighter is being blamed for a townhome fire that occurred Monday after a resident threw the lighter into a closet in the 1700 block of Coleville Oak Lane, NW in unincorporated Lawrenceville.

Firefighters responded at 6:53 p.m. to a 911 call reporting a fire in an upstairs bedroom.

Crews arrived to find a working fire on the second floor of a two-story, wood-frame townhome unit. Occupants on both sides of the townhome building were in the process of self-evacuation when fire trucks arrived and no injuries were reported. Crews quickly deployed fire attack hose lines and made immediate entry to combat the blaze and conduct a primary search. Firefighters worked fast and kept the flames from spreading to the attic space. The blaze caused extensive content damage on the second floor and sent smoke throughout. There was residual water noted on the main level of the affected townhome unit due to firefighting efforts.

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According to the Fire Investigator, the blaze appears accidental and may be the result of a faulty lighter. An occupant reportedly threw the lighter in the closet after igniting a candle in the bedroom. The lighter is believed to have set fire to combustible material in the closet.

The occupants were alerted by the smoke alarm and safely exited the townhome. They declined temporary assistance from the American Red Cross. The adjoining townhome unit was not damaged and the residents were allowed to return home once the situation was under control.

Gwinnett Fire Department warns to be sure your home and family are safe from fire. 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. Know two-ways out, such as a door or a window to escape a fire. Keep a portable multipurpose (ABC) fire extinguisher close at hand to douse a small fire. Have a collapsible fire escape ladder upstairs and be ready to use it if traditional exits are blocked. Remember to get-out, stay-out. Never go back inside a burning house or apartment. Call 911 from outside the building and wait for the firefighters to arrive.

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

Equipment on the scene included: 4-engines, 2-ladder trucks, 1-squad, 1-air & light unit, 1-medic unit, 2-battalion chiefs, 1-district commander and 1-fire investigator.