Family of Eight Escapes House Fire

Updated

A family of eight escaped from a late-night fire Saturday at their home in the 3700 block of Brock Road in Duluth.

The fire was reported about 10:45 p.m., and Gwinnett County Fire/Emergency Services arrived a few minutes later, according to Lt. Eric Eberly. It took several hours to put out the fire, he said.

Fire crews arrived to find a split-level residential structure with heavy fire and smoke showing from the carport and roof areas, Eberly reported. Firefighters immediately entered the home to battle the blaze, but were forced back out due to the intensity of the fire. They then adopted a defensive mode of operations. Using handlines, crews controlled the blaze and kept the fire from spreading to nearby homes. The house and its contents suffered extensive damage, he said.

A tenant family of two adults and six children made it out of the home safely prior to GCF/ES arrival, Eberly said. Everyone was in bed for the night at the time of the fire. One of the younger children went to get a drink of water and noticed the fire in the carport and utility room area, then alerted the parents. The initial GCF/ES report indicated there were two adults and four children who fled the fire.

There were no injuries. Fire investigators are attempting to determine the cause. The family is reportedly staying with relatives nearby. Anyone who would like to help the family may contact Sabrina Heard at s.heard@comcast.net.