5 Fire Engines Battle Condo Blaze, 18 Displaced

NORCROSS, GA — Five fire engines were needed to fight a condominium fire Friday night that displaced 18 people. Residents were already in the process of evacuation when fire trucks arrived and no injuries were reported, according to authorities.

Firefighters responded to a resident report of fire in a condo unit in the 1008 block of Olde Mill Lane, NW in unincorporated Norcross. The full alarm call was made and additional fire equipment was dispatched.

Crews reported they arrived to find heavy flames and smoke showing from the second floor and roof on the front-right corner of the building. Firefighters began an interior attack on the fire with multiple hose lines but were forced to back out and go defensive as flames consumed part of the roof and caused a partial collapse.

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The blaze caused heavy fire damage and a total loss to the two top floor units and significant smoke, heat, and water damage to several adjoining units. The American Red Cross was requested to assist eighteen people, 15-adults and 3-children, were displaced from the building.

Per the fire investigator, the fire started up high in the second-floor unit on the corner of the building and quickly spread to the attic and neighboring unit. The fire ran the attic over half the building before it was brought under control. The owner of the unit where the fire started was not home at the time and was reportedly using the gas fireplace earlier in the evening. She said that she turned the fireplace off before leaving. The fire investigator was unable to inspect the unit of origin due to the magnitude of the damage and unsafe floor conditions. The exact cause of the fire is currently undetermined and is under investigation.

Equipment at the scene included: 5-Engines, 2-Ladder Trucks, 1-Squad, 1-Medic Unit, 1-Rehab Unit, 1-Air & Light Unit, 2-Battalion Chiefs, 1-District Commander, 1-Medical Supervisor, and 1-Fire Investigator.

Photos courtesy Gwinnett Fire Department