Unattended Candle May Have Started Gwinnett House Fire

An overnight fire, believed to have started accidentally by an unattended candle, damaged a Gwinnett County home, but it could have been worse.

The six occupants were asleep when the fire broke out around midnight at a single-story home on Sundale Drive near Lawrenceville when they were alerted by the smoke detector. They escaped with no injuries.

“Though the fire and smoke caused extensive damage inside the home, we are fortunate that the smoke alarms were working,” said Gwinnett Fire Captain Tommy Rutledge. “The smoke alarm gave the family added time to get everyone out safely.”

Five adults and one child were displaced by the fire, which was contained to the master bedroom and sent smoke and heat throughout the house. A candle was reportedly left burning in the closet of the bedroom.

Firefighters, who arrived at the scene at 12:06 a.m. Wednesday, had the fire under control at 12:21 a.m.

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Firefighters warn, never leave candles unattended and never place a lit candle in a closet or too close to combustible materials. Firefighters also suggest installing smoke alarms on every level of the home. For additional information on home fire safety, please contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction Division at 678-518-4845 or e-mail fireprograms@gwinnettcounty.com.

(Photos: Gwinnett Fire PIO)