(Hoschton, Ga., Nov. 23, 2016) – Firefighters responded on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016 at 2:19 p.m., to a report of a woods fire in the 1900 block of Holman Road, NE in (unincorporated) Hoschton.  Crews found a brush fire off the roadway adjacent to Braselton Highway.  Flames burned close to the roadway and prompted police to temporarily close the northbound lane of Braselton Highway.  Additional fire units and the Georgia Forestry Commission were requested. 

Firefighters worked to contain the fire with water-cans and fire-rakes; and flowed water from an engine mounted deck gun and multiple hose lines.  Crews were able to keep the fire from jumping the roadway and protected nearby exposures.  The blaze damaged an outbuilding and fence and spread to an adjoining property.  Forestry was able to cut a firebreak with the tractor and assisted in containing the fire.  The Gwinnett Police helicopter provided an aerial reconnaissance of the fire and was helpful in identifying potential exposure hazards.  The fire is estimated to have scorched an area measuring 1½ to 3 acres of dense underbrush.  A pile of wooden pallets was also burning on the property and was extinguished by fire crews.

The fire was sparked by a previous outdoor burn pile and spread to the woods.  The property owner was cited for the burn violation by the Georgia Forestry Commission.  There were no other structures involved and no injuries were reported.  Georgia DOT was notified about the roadway being partially blocked until the situation was brought under control. 

Assisting Agencies Included: Gwinnett Fire, Gwinnett Police and Georgia Forestry  

Dropbox video link from the scene: https://www.dropbox.com/s/hjhw3uzgj2fik9d/Gwinnett%20-%20Woods%20Fire%20-%20Holman%20Road%20in%20Hoschton%2011-23-16.mp4?dl=0       

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 5-Engines, 1-Ladder Truck, 1-Squad, 1-Water Tender, 1-Rehab Unit, 1-Medic Unit, 2-Battalion Chiefs, 1-Fire Investigator and 1-PIO