Fireplace Believed to Have Caused Lilburn House Fire

A fireplace is believed to be the cause of a Lilburn house fire Thursday that has displaced one adult, two children and their pet dogs. No injuries were reported.

According to Gwinnett County Fire spokesman Lt. Colin Rhoden, firefighters arrived on scene to the fire on the 300 block of Harmony Grove Road around 5:57 p.m. Heavy smoke was found throughout the home and garage.

The flames were found around the fireplace on the first floor, and smoke was coming from behind the fire box where crew members opened the chimney. Firefighters made their way under the house into the crawl space to put out the fire.

Fire crews pulled the plaster off the walls to search for any other hidden fire, according to the news release from Rhoden. Due to the nature of the spread of the fire, firefighters removed the burned-through portion of the floor and finished extinguishing the fire. A smoke evacuating fan was used to clear the house of smoke and smoke products.

The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental in nature because the place of fire origin was where the resident stated that the fireplace was used the night before. There was heavy fire damage to the floor and the walls have damage from fire and the fire attack.  

"Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services wants to remind residents that if before using a fireplace, make sure that it has been properly maintained and clean," wrote Rhoden. "When it is time for bed or any time that the fire will not be watched, the fire, all embers and anything burning must be extinguished properly and completely. Good fireplace habits greatly reduces the chance of unwanted dangerous  fires."

Equipment on the Scene: 4-Engines, 1-Ladder Truck, 1-Medic Ambulance, 2-Battalion Chiefs, 1-Air Light Truck and PIO