(Norcross, Ga., July 6, 2023) – Firefighters responded at 6:52 a.m. to reports of an apartment fire at the Elliott Apartments at 1355 Graves Road in Norcross. Law enforcement advised that there was a large fire in the apartment. The caller also stated that they were beginning to evacuate the building.

Upon arrival, crews found a working fire at a two/three split-story apartment building, smoke coming from the back side of the structure, which was the three-story side. While investigating, firefighters found fire involvement in the second and third-story units on the three-story side of the building. Firefighters also found fire in the attic space of the structure. The first arriving crews found two adults and one child trapped by the fire on the second floor. Fire crews quickly extended a ladder to the victims and assisted all three individuals from the window. Firefighters confirmed that all persons were evacuated from the main apartment units and began evacuating the rest of the building. Crews deployed three hose lines to extinguish the flames. Firefighters ensured all fire was extinguished in the structure and performed positive pressure ventilation until the building was cleared of all smoke. Once the fire was controlled, heavy fire damage was found in three units, with smoke and water damage to the three lower-level apartment units. Medical crews transported one adult male in critical condition to Northside Gwinnett Hospital. Three other patients were evaluated and released on the scene due to minor medical complaints. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) officers removed one victim from the breezeway before the arrival of fire service personnel.

A total of six units were affected, and approximately 20 occupants were displaced due to the fire. Apartment management and the American Red Cross will be assisting all displaced occupants and provide another place for them to stay while repairs are being conducted. According to the personnel on the scene, active smoke alarms were present.

Fire Investigators responded to the scene for fire cause and determination. Investigators determined the fire to be intentional and incendiary in nature. For more information about this incident and the law enforcement activity, please contact the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.).  

Note: For pictures of this incident please visit our Facebook and Twitter page @GwinnettFire.

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 2-Ladder Trucks, 6-Engines, 1-Squad, 2-Rescues, 3-Med Units, 1-Medical Supervisor, 1-Air and Light Unit, 2-Battalion Chiefs, 1-District Commander, 1-Fire Investigator, 1-Public Information Officer

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