Large Fire Damages Auto Body Shop on U.S. Hwy 78

Gwinnett County firefighters worked a large business fire Tuesday night that caused considerable damage to an auto body shop on Stone Mountain Highway.

The fire happened around 6:45 p.m. at H & H II Body and Paint Shop, at 3375 Stone Mountain Highway (U.S. Hwy 78) near Easy Street in unincorporated Snellville. A caller reported seeing smoke pouring from the building.

“We knew we had a serious fire, even before the fire trucks arrived,” Gwinnett Fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge said.

According to a news release, crews found heavy smoke and flames showing from the roof of the all-metal building.

The fire caused heavy damage to the interior of the business, as well as to several vehicles parked inside.

The cause is under investigation.

Rutledge said one employee was at the business at the time the fire broke out. He tried unsuccessfully to douse the fire, but escaped unharmed.

A firefighter was evaluated at the hospital for a possible heat-related illness, but was expected to be released.

Photos: Gwinnett Fire PIO