(Norcross, Ga., Jan. 31, 2023) - At 10:12 a.m. this morning, firefighters responded to a report of a structure fire at the Terra at Norcross Apartments located at 3600 Park Colony Drive NW in Norcross. The caller reported that he noticed smoke in a water heater closet and was evacuating the building.

Firefighters arrived on the scene at 10:15 a.m. to find a working fire in a two-story, multi-family dwelling on a slab. Firefighters deployed four hoselines and utilized two hydrants within the apartment complex to combat the flames. Fire crews encountered flames on the second story and in the attic space. To ventilate the smoke out of the building, firefighters employed mechanical and hydraulic ventilation techniques. Search crews found two pets inside the apartment building and returned them to their owners. The fire was brought under control by 11:19 a.m. 

One adult male sustained a minor injury during this incident. He was treated and released by medical crews on site. No other injuries were reported. A plumber informed firefighters that he was working on pipes located in a water heater closet when he noticed smoke inside the same closet. The plumber and other members of the plumbing crew called 911 and activated the pull stations to alert the occupants. While most of the apartment building was vacant at the time of the fire, those who were inside safely escaped before the arrival of fire crews. Apartment management staff are working with the 12 families displaced by the fire to secure shelter during repairs. No occupants requested the assistance of the American Red Cross at the scene. All firefighters rotated through rehab before returning to service. The cause of this fire is under investigation. 

This incident serves as a good reminder of how important it is to learn the sounds of fire safety such as fire alarms. Families are encouraged to practice exit drills in their homes and develop a fire escape plan. For additional information or to schedule an education program please send an email o FirePrograms@GwinnettCounty.com or call 678.518.4845.

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

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 4- Engines, 2- Ladder Trucks, 1- Med Unit, 3- Command Staff Vehicles, 1- Air and Light Unit, 3- Fire Investigators, and 1- PIO.

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