Townhouse Fire Snarls Early Traffic in Peachtree Corners

Early commuters in the Peachtree Corners area found a major road closed for a short time as fire crews battled a townhome fire Tuesday morning.

The fire caused extensive damage to the attic, roof and part of the second floor of the townhome on Bracelona Drive, and also closed a portion of Holcomb Bridge Road for about an hour as firefighters had to stretch a hose line to a hydrant across the busy road.

The fire was reported around 5 a.m. and was brought under control by 5:49 a.m., and the Holcomb Bridge traffic returned to normal around 7 a.m.

No one was injured in the fire.

Gwinnett Fire Public Information Officer Capt. Tommy Rutledge said fire crews found fire showing from the attic and roof of the townhome. The family of two adults and two children were asleep when the father was awakened by a cracking sound and found the fire, Rutledge said. The family was outside the unit when the fire department arrived.

“Smoke alarms inside the townhome unit had not yet activated because the fire was burning in the attic above the main-living space,” Rutledge said in a Tuesday news release. “The alarms began to sound as smoke entered the second floor at the time the family made their escape.”

Rutledge said firefighters had to pull the sheetrock in an adjoining unit to check for extension. There was no actual fire damage found in the exposure unit.

“The presence of a firewall aided firefighters in helping to contain the flames to the unit or origin,” Rutledge said. “The exact cause of the fire is undetermined and is under active investigation.”

October is Fire Prevention Month in Gwinnett County. Firefighters suggest installing smoke alarms on every level of the home and in each of the bedrooms. A smoke alarm should also be placed in the attic of the home. Smoke alarms provide early warning when a fire strikes and gives added time for people to escape. Develop a home fire escape plan and practice fire drills with the entire family.

For additional information on home fire safety, please contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction Section at 678.518.4845 or e-mail fireprograms@gwinnettcounty.com. The department offers free home safety surveys and smoke alarm checks as part of its community outreach programs.

Photos: Gwinnett Fire PIO