Crime & Safety

Fireplace Blaze Spreads Through Snellville Home on Thanksgiving

A family of three has been displaced due to the damage.

A Snellville house fire originating from a fireplace has displaced a family of three on Thanksgiving.

According to a news release from Gwinnett County Fire Department spokesman Capt. Tommy Rutledge, the fire had spread from the fireplace through the wall and attic in a home on the 1900 block of Long Street near Pharrs Road. The home's occupants, who said the fire was burning for most of the day, were alerted to the fire by the smell of smoke and escaped.

Authorities arrived around 4:16 p.m. Nov. 28 to find heavy flames showing on the left-side of a split-level wood frame house. 

"First-due firefighters deployed attack hose lines to knock down the bulk of the fire from the exterior before making entry inside," said Rutledge.

The blaze caused extensive damage to the left-side of the structure near the chimney and attic and sent smoke, heat and water throughout.

A husband and wife were evaluated and released at the scene by paramedics for minor complaints. The Red Cross was contacted to provide assistance for three adults displaced by the damage.

"Firefighters suggest practicing fire safety by installing smoke alarms and developing a home fire escape plan," warned Rutledge. "Now is also the time to have home heating appliances and fireplaces checked by a qualified technician. Knowing what to do can help prevent home fires and keeps occupants safe during the cold winter months."  

For additional information on home fire safety, contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction Division at 678-518-4845 or email fireprograms@gwinnettcounty.com.

Equipment at the scene included: 3-Engines, 1-Ladder Truck, 1-Squad, 1-Rehab Unit, 1-Medic Unit, 1-Air & Light Unit, 2-Battalion Chiefs and 1-PIO.


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