Unattended Cooking on Stove Sparks Quadplex Fire

Four families were displaced by an early morning fire at a Gwinnett County quadplex, apparently caused by unattended food cooking on the stove.

The fire was reported around 2 a.m. in the 3100 block of Sloping Terrance in unincorporated Snellville. No injuries were reported.

The fire gutted the kitchen and caused heavy damage in the unit of origin. Two adjoining units sustained water and smoke damage. Power needed to be cut off to the building. A total of eight people were displaced.

“An occupant in the unit of origin was cooking and may have fallen asleep on the couch. The occupant awoke to a popping sound and discovered the kitchen ablaze,” Gwinnett Fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge said in a news release. “We are fortunate that no one was hurt and that everyone was able to escape unharmed.”

Fire prevention tips from Gwinnett Fire

• Fire officials suggest installing a working smoke alarm on every level of the home and in each of the bedrooms.
• Develop a home fire escape plan and practice fire drills with the entire family.
• Follow simple fire safety and prevention rules to keep your home and family safe.
• Never leave food cooking on the stove unattended. Be sure to turn the burners off before going to sleep or when leaving the home.
• Food cooking on the stove unattended is a leading cause of residential fires in the United States.

For additional information on home fire safety or to schedule a free home fire safety survey and smoke alarm check, please contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction Division at 678.518.4845 or e-mail fireprograms@gwinnettcounty.com.

October 4-10, 2015 is National Fire Prevention Week. “This fire demonstrates the importance of the safety messages being shared year-round by firefighters during community outreach programs and citizen interactions.” Rutledge said.

Photo: Gwinnett Fire PIO