Grass Fire Blocks Buford Highway Near Suwanee

SUWANEE, GA — Gwinnett County firefighters were working Thursday afternoon to control several moderate-sized spot fires burning in the grass along Buford Highway.

Firefighters first responded at 11:52 a.m. after a passerby called 911. The fires were brought under control by 1:03 p.m. and Buford Highway was reopened at 3 p.m.

The first engine crew that arrived quickly requested backup to handle the fires and protect nearby businesses that were considered exposure hazards.

The fires scorched large patches of grass between the highway and railroad tracks in about a one-mile area, fire officials said.

Georgia Power was called to check several utility poles that were exposed to the fires and Norfolk Southern Railroad was asked to temporarily halt rail traffic in the area.

Trains were eventually allowed to proceed at a slower than usual speed.

Buford Highway was closed because of hose lines and fire trucks in the roadway. Police diverted traffic away from the area to allow firefighters to safely finish extinguishing the flames and cool remaining hot spots.

No structures or vehicles were damaged by the fires and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fires remained undetermined Thursday afternoon, but may have been due to sparks from a passing train.

Photo courtesy Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services