Grill Ruled Cause of House Fire in Lawrenceville

A fire caused an extensive damage to a home in Lawrenceville on Tuesday (April 9). No injuries were reported, but two adults have been displaced.

According to a news release from Gwinnett County Fire spokesman Capt. Tommy Rutledge, neighbors called authorities around 12:37 p.m. to report a fire at a residence on the 700 block of Slew Avenue near Old Peachtree Road.

Investigators say a charcoal BBQ grill on the patio on the side of the house caused the fire.

On arrival, fire crews found heavy flames showing from the attic and second floor on the backside of the two-story wood frame house. First-due firefighters deployed attack lines and made immediate entry inside the structure to conduct a search and extinguish the blaze, according to the release.

Firefighters flowed water from three handlines to bring the flames under control, which they were able to do at 1:19 p.m. The blaze caused significant damage to the attic and second floor and sent smoke and heat throughout the house.

The home sustained heavy damage due to the fire. The exact cause of the blaze is currently undetermined under investigation by the fire department.

Before the fire department arrived, the neighbor also knocked on the door to alert anyone who might be inside, but there was no one there. The owner came home after being contacted by neighbors and spoke with the fire crew.

The family dog was able to escape the blaze as firefighters entered the house. A pet cat, however, has not yet been accounted for.

Gwinnett Fire reminds residents to make sure grills are completely cooled off before leaving them unsupervised. They also suggest to place grills far away from the home or anything flammable.

Equipment at the scene included: 4-Engines, 1-Ladder Truck, 1-Squad, 1-Medic Unit, 1-Air & Light Unit, 2-Battalion Chiefs, 1-Fire Investigator and 1-PIO.