Fire Damages Gwinnett County Duplex

NORCROSS, GA -- Firefighters responded at 6:38 p.m. to an occupant report of a house fire in the 5100 block of Williams Road, NW in unincorporated Norcross. The caller to 911 reported flames showing. Occupants were home at the time and escaped unharmed.

Crews arrived to find a fire at a duplex which was contained to one unit and extinguished. The fire appears accidental and started in a bedroom, according to Gwinnett Fire Department. Flames extended to the hallway and part of the living room. There was smoke and heat throughout the unit. The adjoining duplex unit sustained only slight smoke inside but no fire damage, they said.

Red Cross assistance was not requested.

This fire serves as a reminder to install working smoke alarms on every level of the home and in each of the bedrooms, authorities warned. Develop a home fire escape plan and practice fire drills regularly. Keep a portable fire extinguisher close at hand to douse a small fire. Look for and eliminate home hazards that could cause a fire to start or grow in intensity.

Equipment at the scene included: 3-Engines, 1-Ladder Truck, 1-Squad, 1-Air & Light Unit, 2-Medic Units, 2-Battalion Chiefs and 1-Fire Investigator.