Chimney Fire Causes Moderate Damage at Lawrenceville Home

From Gwinnett Fire spokesman Capt. Tommy Rutledge:

GWINNETT FIRE/MEDIA E-NEWS RELEASE: OVERNIGHT HOUSE FIRE-190 BLOCK OF PINEVIEW DRIVE, SW IN LAWRENCEVILLE.

INCIDENT DATE: 11/28/13

TIME DISPATCHED: 12:44 A.M.

TIME ARRIVED: 12:47 A.M.

TIME UNDER CONTROL: 1:04 A.M.

Firefighters responded to an occupant report of a house fire at the above location.

Crews found smoke showing from an older single-story wood frame and brick house on arrival.  The occupants, two adults, were already outside safe when the fire department arrived and no injuries were reported.  The man and woman were reportedly watching TV and were alerted by the smell of smoke coming from the attic.

First arriving fire crews pulled attack hose lines and immediately entered the home to extinguish the fire.  The blaze appears accidental and originated from a fire that was burning in the fireplace.  The fire spread outside the fire box and burned up the chimney chase (inside wall) and into the attic.

The majority of fire damage is contained to the wall around the chimney chase and the attic space.  The quick action of the firefighters kept the flames from breaking through the roof.  The fire caused moderate damage to the wall around the fireplace and charred the attic.  There was smoke and water damage to other parts of the house.  The American Red Cross was contacted to assist the displaced occupants.

FIRE SAFETY MESSAGE:

Firefighters suggest having the fireplace and other home heating appliances checked annually by a qualified technician.  Practice fire safety by installing smoke alarms and developing a home fire escape plan.

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED:

3-Engines

1-Ladder Truck

1-Squad

1-Medic Unit

1-Air & Light Unit

2-Battalion Chiefs

1-PIO