Dog Saves Family From Fire By Alerting Them With Barking

BUFORD, GA – A family's dog alerted them to a fire early Tuesday morning by barking in their two-story Castlegate Townhome, according to the Gwinnett Fire Department. No injuries were reported.

The blaze appears to have started in the unit on the right end of the two-story, six-unit townhome building.

Occupants were home at the time of the fire and were alerted by their dog barking. The husband and wife got their kids and escaped by going downstairs and exiting out the front door. They reported flames in the downstairs living room.

A police unit was first to arrive and reported the townhome unit fully involved and fire quickly spreading to the unit next door. The blaze burned in the attic and ran the length of the building. Firefighters used water from multiple hose lines to control the fire and protect exposures. There is extensive damage to the structure.

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The exact cause of the fire is undetermined and is under investigation.

The American Red Cross has been requested to assist about 27 people, 17 adults and 10 children, displaced from the building.

Photos courtesy Gwinnett County Fire Department