Lawrenceville Home Total Loss After Fire

A Lawrenceville home was a total loss after a Friday afternoon fire.

According to the Gwinnett County fire department, the fire was reported around 3 p.m. in the 500 block of Windsor Court, within the Lawrenceville city limits.

No one was hurt in the blaze.

Here’s the report from Gwinnett Fire:

Gwinnett County Firefighters responded on Friday, October 16, 2015, at 3:06p.m., to a report of a house fire in the 500 block of Windsor Court, SW in Lawrenceville. The caller reported smoke and flames visible from the roof at the time the call was made. The bulk of the flames were knocked down by 3:32p.m. The incident was declared under control at 4:29p.m.

Crews could see a heavy column of black smoke from a distance as they responded to the scene. Firefighters arrived to find heavy flames and smoke showing from both floors and already through the roof of a two-story wood frame house. The occupant was outside-safe and gave a verbal “all-clear” to the first arriving fire crews. Firefighters were forced to battle the blaze from the exterior (defensive mode) due to intense fire conditions and partial collapse on the rear of the structure. A leaking portable propane tank was also identified as an immediate hazard in the backyard. Crews flowed water from multiple hand lines and an aerial ladder pipe to control the blaze and protect exposures. “Steady winds during the late afternoon hours contributed to the quick fire spread throughout the structure,” said Gwinnett Fire Captain Tommy Rutledge.

The occupant was outside working in the yard when she began smelling smoke. The woman went inside to investigate the source and quickly exited the home due to the smoke. She went to a neighbor’s house to get help. The neighbor called 9-1-1 and reported seeing flames and smoke.

The exact cause of the fire is currently undetermined and is under active investigation by the fire department. The structure and contents are a total loss due to the blaze. There were no injuries reported. Please see the attached photos from the scene.

October is Fire Prevention Month in Gwinnett County. Protect your home and family from fire by following a few simple 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 with the entire family. Know what to do when a fire strikes. Look for and eliminate home hazards that could cause a fire to start.

For additional information on home fire safety, please contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction Division at 678.518.4845 or e-mail fireprograms@gwinnettcounty.com. The department offers free home fire safety surveys and smoke alarm checks.

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 4-Engines, 1-Ladder Truck, 1-Squad, 1-Medic Unit, 1-Air & Light Unit, 1-Rehab Unit, 1-Hazmat Unit, 2-Battalion Chiefs, 2-Fire Investigators, 1-PIO.