Snellville Home Destroyed, High Winds Hampered Firefighters

SNELLVILLE, GA -- High winds hampered firefighters Saturday as they fought a house fire in Snellville that eventually destroyed the home. Paramedics assessed and released an adult male occupant at the scene for a minor burn injury.

Firefighters responded at 10:11 p.m. to a neighbor’s report of a house fire in the 1800 block of Highpoint Road SW in unincorporated Snellville. Caller to 911 reported the home was fully involved.

Fire crews arrived at the scene and found heavy fire on the right side of the home. Due to high winds, the flames quickly spread through the home as firefighters deployed fire attack hose lines to combat the blaze. Fire crews initiated a defensive fire attack, battling the flames from outside the home until the fire was knocked down and it was safe for crews to enter. Once crews were able to enter the building, the remainder of fire was brought under control and a search for victims for completed. The entire home was heavily damaged by fire and considered a total loss.

A fire investigator responded to the scene to assist with origin and cause determination. The fire investigator determined the fire originated in the living room and the cause is under active investigation.

A total of four occupants were inside the home when the fire erupted. The occupants have another place to stay and declined Red Cross assistance.

Firefighters encourage all citizens to practice home fire safety. Be sure install working smoke alarms on every level of the home and in each bedroom. Develop a home escape plan and practice fire drills regularly. For additional information on home fire safety, please 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, 2-Medic Units, 1-Air & Light Unit, 2-Battalion Chiefs, and 1-Fire Investigator.