Loganville Fire Displaces Two Families, Damages Four Homes

A residential fire Thursday (Sept. 19) has destroyed one home, damaged three others and displaced two families in Loganville. 

Both families, which consist of six adults and six children, were unharmed in the fire on the 3400 block of Watson Gate Rd. near Oak Grove Road, according to a news release from Gwinnett County Fire spokesman Capt. Tommy Rutledge. 

The family of one of the homes called authorities when they smelled smoke at 6:23 p.m. The fire was off the 3400 block of Watson Gate Rd. near Oak Grove Road. 

When firefighters arrived, the fire had spread throughout the second floor and the attic of the two-story wood frame home. Crews had to battle the blaze from the outside due to the fire's intensity. 

First arriving firefighters were met with multiple exposures to surrounding houses as they battled the main blaze. Radiant heat sparked a small fire in the attic of a neighboring home and melted the siding on two other houses nearby. Firefighters used multiple hose lines to spray water to protect neighboring homes.

Fire crews were able to control the fire by 7:34 p.m. The home where the fire originated is a total loss, while another home has minor fire damage to the attic and water damage to the second floor. The other two homes have minor siding damage due to the radiant heat that caused the siding to melt.

One of the two displaced families is being assisted by the Red Cross. 

Three additional engines were called to the scene to assist with fire control. A total of 35 firefighters were operating at the scene, and 15 different fire apparatuses and support units responded.

Investigators believe the blaze started on the exterior of the home and quickly spread to the attic, but the exact cause of the fire is undetermined.