Brush Fire Shuts Down Highway in Northern Gwinnett

HOSCHTON, GA — Firefighters were able to contain an out-of-control brush fire that temporarily shut down Braselton Highway in northern Gwinnett County Wednesday afternoon.

Crews responded at 2:19 p.m. to a report of a woods fire in the 1900 block of Holman Road in the Hoschton area.

They found a brush fire off the roadway near Braselton Highway. Flames were burning close to the road, prompting police to temporarily close the northbound lane of the highway.

Additional fire units and the Georgia Forestry Commission were called in.

Firefighters worked to contain the blaze with water cans and fire-rakes and flowed water from an engine mounted deck gun and multiple hose lines.

They were able to keep the fire from jumping the roadway and protected nearby structures. The blaze damaged an outbuilding and fence and spread onto an adjoining property.

Forestry Commission crews were able to cut a firebreak with a tractor, which helped contain the fire.

The fire is estimated to have burned between 1 1/2-3 acres of underbrush. A pile of wooden pallets was also burned.

Fire officials say the blaze was caused by someone doing outdoor burning. The property owner was cited for a violation of Georgia's regional burning ban.

Photo courtesy Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services