House Fire Displaces Gwinnett County Family

A four-person family was displaced from their home early Saturday morning after their home in the 1800 block of Nichols Landing Way in Dacula caught fire. Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency (GCFE) Services responded to the home at 3:28 a.m. and found heavy flames breaking through the roof of a single-story, wood-frame house on a slab, GCFE said in a news release.

"Firefighters quickly deployed fire attack hose lines and immediately entered the home to battle the blaze and conduct a primary search. Interior crews were forced to back out moments later as part of the roof and rear wall collapsed. Fire crews flowed water from an aerial ladder pipe and hand lines to control the blaze and protect nearby exposures. The blaze caused heavy damage to the home and contents," GCFE said.

Radiant heat from the fire caused part of the vinyl siding to melt on two neighboring houses, GCFE said. Firefighters worked fast and were able to keep the flames from spreading inside the neighboring homes.

The American Red Cross was contacted to provide temporary assistance for the displaced family.

Thee blaze appears accidental and was possibly sparked by a fire pit on the back patio, GCFE said. Flames had already spread to the attic via the exterior wall before sending smoke inside the house. The smoke alarms sounded as the family was exiting the home. An occupant stated that the fire pit had been used earlier in the evening, but was believed to have been extinguished.