Another Vacant House in Duluth Damaged by Fire

Gwinnett firefighters responded to a report from neighbors of a vacant house fire at 3198 Sharpton Drive NW in Duluth late Friday (Oct. 21) night.

Crews found the single-story wood frame and brick veneer house engulfed in flames on arrival at 10:54 p.m. Heavy flames and smoke poured from the roof and corners of the house as firefighters battled the blaze from outside. The fire was brought under control at 11:14 p.m. The blaze caused heavy damage to the structure, Gwinnett Fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge reported.

No one was at the house when the fire department arrived and no injuries were reported, Rutledge said.

The exact cause of the fire is currently undetermined under investigation by the fire department, he said.

According to a neighbor, the house has been vacant for about four to five months.  Firefighters determined that the house had electrical power at the meter, but no gas utility, Rutledge said.

The vacant house fire on Sharpton Drive was the second reported this week in Duluth. Gwinnett County fire investigators ruled arson as the cause for a vacant house fire in the 2300 block of Edge Court NW Wednesday (Oct. 19) morning in Duluth, according to Rutledge. A neighbor reported the fire.