Sprinkler System Not Working, Fire Engulfs Apartment Building

NORCROSS, GA — Approximately 17 people were displaced after a Norcross apartment fire Sunday, at 5651 Brook Hollow Parkway. A resident of the building was treated and was released at the scene. There were no other injuries reported as a result of the fire.

Firefighters responded at 3:25 a.m., to a report of an apartment fire at the KRC Hilltops Apartments and found flames and smoke showing from two apartment units on the front of a two-story building. Residents were going door-to-door to evacuate the building as fire crews arrived. Firefighters quickly deployed attack hose lines to control the bulk of the flames as they made entry inside to complete extinguishment and conduct a search.

The exact cause of the fire is currently undetermined and is under investigation.

The blaze caused heavy damage to two units, and smoke and water damage in several adjoining units. The fire sprinkler system for the building was not operational at the time of the fire.

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Firefighters were called to the same apartment building in late March of this year by a resident reporting a water leak from the system that was causing damage in her apartment unit. Firefighters had to shut the system off in order to stop the damage and prevent any potential electrical hazard due to the water. Firefighters notified apartment management and instructed them to conduct a “fire-watch” until the system was back on line and to contact their sprinkler company to make repairs and restore the system. It is unknown as to why the system was not fully functional during the fire this morning. A fire inspector will be conducting additional follow up on the building’s fire suppression system in the days to come.

As far as the cause of the fire, the fire investigator is listing it as undetermined and currently under investigation. They are still trying to locate the occupant of the apartment where the fire originated. The man was home at the time and left the scene shortly after police and firefighters arrived.

The American Red Cross was contacted to assist the approximately 17 occupants, both adults and children, displaced from the two-story building with 16 units. There was heavy fire damage to two units and smoke and water damage to several adjoining units. The entire building was affected due to the fact that power was cut because of the damage. The number of people displaced will likely increase based on contact with Red Cross representatives.

According to fire officials, if you live in a house or apartment, remember to practice fire safety by eliminating hazards that could cause a fire to start. Install working smoke alarms on every level and in each of the bedrooms. Develop a home fire escape plan and practice fire drills regularly. Keep a portable (multi-purpose ABC) fire extinguisher close at hand to douse small fires. Apartment residents are encouraged to report issues with fire protection and evacuation systems to the management office for the complex.

Equipment at the scene included: four engines, two ladder trucks, one squad, two medic units, one rehab unit, two battalion chiefs, one district commander, one fire investigator, one fire inspector, and one medic supervisor.

Photos courtesy Gwinnett Fire Department