(Lawrenceville, Ga., Jun. 4, 2024) - At 8:09 p.m., firefighters responded to a report of a business fire at 660 Duluth Highway NW in Lawrenceville, Sonny’s BBQ. The caller informed the 911 call taker that she could see smoke and flames and was in the process of evacuating the building. 

Firefighters arrived at 8:14 p.m. and reported flames showing through the roof of a commercial restaurant. The manager met with fire crews to inform them that everyone had safely evacuated the business. Fire crews deployed multiple fire hoses to combat the flames. Due to safety concerns surrounding power lines near the fire, firefighters used ladder trucks to battle the flames until those concerns were addressed. After fire crews achieved knockdown of the fire and safety concerns had been resolved, a building search confirmed that all people had safely exited the structure. Firefighters achieved knockdown of the fire at 8:31 p.m. Firefighters monitored atmospheric conditions inside the structure for toxic gases while utility crews secured services. 

There were no injuries at this incident. The manager on duty informed firefighters that a customer in the drive-thru notified them of smoke coming from the exterior wall. Shortly after, the staff noticed smoke and flames on the business’ interior wall near the ceiling. The manager said that she immediately called 911 and began evacuating the building. Firefighters said that the cause of this accidental fire was a lightning strike. This fire reminds us of the importance of fire safety in the workplace. To learn more about fire safety, please visit GwinnettSafety411 or call 678.518.4845 to speak with a member of our Community Risk Reduction Team today.  

EQUIPMENT AT THE SCENE INCLUDED: 6-Engines, 3-Ladder Trucks, 1- Squad, 1-Rescue, 1-Air & Light Unit, 2- Med Units, 4-Command Staff Vehicles, 1-Fire Investigator, and 1-PIO.

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

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