No Injuries In Lilburn House Fire That Began In Fireplace

LILBURN, GA — An accidental fire around 1 a.m. Tuesday in the 3200 block of Jack Russell Run began in the house's fireplace, according to Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services.

The homeowner had been out of the country for several months, and once he returned home, he noticed his natural gas service had been disconnected, according to the department.

He ignited a fire in his fireplace, after which he began hearing crackling noises coming from inside of the wall, fire officials said. He realized the two-story house was on fire when he noticed the wall was too hot and called 911, fire officials said.

Flames were coming out of the house's roofline, fire officials said.

There were no injuries as a result of the fire, and the residents safely escaped, fire officials said.

The American Red Cross is assisting two adults and a dog during home repairs, fire officials said.

"The U.S. Fire Administration recognizes that fires occur more in the winter months than at any other time of year. It is recommended that heating equipment and chimneys are cleaned and inspected by professionals every year," fire officials said in a news release.