Neighbor Saves Gwinnett Family, Displaced By Overnight Fire

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – A neighbor banged on the door Sunday to save a family from a house fire in Lawrenceville. Three adults and a dog were displaced after the fire but no one was injured.

Firefighters responded at 3:09 a.m. to a neighbor report of a house fire in the 100 block of Ashland Manor Drive SE of Lawrenceville. A caller to 911 reported the neighbor’s house was on fire and flames were coming from the roof. The neighbor told authorities that the family were evacuating the home.

Fire crews arrived on scene to find a heavy fire in the rear of the building and through the roof. Everyone had evacuated prior to arrival and were safely outside.

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Fire attack hose lines were deployed to the rear of the building to knock down the bulk of the fire. Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control and limit damage. The home sustained extensive damage to the second floor and attic with water and smoke throughout the entire home. The home to the right of primary structure sustained radiant heat damage to the vinyl siding. The home on the left side of the primary structure was not damaged.

Before exiting the home, those who lived there found the back porch engulfed in flames. Smoke detectors were present in the home but due to the location of the fire, did not activate. The family declined Red Cross assistance.

The family of the home reported using a charcoal grill on the back porch last night. A fire investigator was requested to respond to the scene for origin and cause determination. The fire investigator has ruled the fire accidental and determined the coals from the charcoal grill started the fire.

Firefighters want to remind residents to 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. For more information on home fire and life safety, please contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction Division at 678.518.4845 or e-mail fireprograms@gwinnettcounty.com.

Equipment included at the scene included: three engines, one truck, one air & light unit, one medic unit, two battalion chiefs, one fire investigator and and one assistant Fire Marshal.

Photos courtesy Gwinnett Fire Department