Early-Morning Fire Destroys Lawrenceville Home

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA -- An early-morning fire on Thursday destroyed the home of a Lawrenceville family.

Gwinnett County firefighters were called to the home, in the 2200 block of Deans Landing Drive, at 4:51 a.m. on Thursday.

They arrived to find heavy fire showing from the garage and attic of the two-story wood frame house and an SUV parked in the driveway engulfed in flames.

Crews entered the home to fight the blaze, but were forced back out after a few minutes by advancing fire and the partial collapse of the roof.

The home was a total loss and two vehicles were seriously damaged, a news release from Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services.

A man who lived in the house received a minor injury while evacuating. One family cat was found dead and another was missing.

Investigators say the fire appears to be accidental and believe it started from the engine of the SUV and spread to the house. The owner told investigators there was recently a mechanical problem with the vehicle's battery.

An occupant of the home was awakened by a loud popping sound and discovered the SUV burning. He tried to put out the fire with a portable fire extinguisher, but couldn't.

The man alerted his family and they escaped as the flames extended to the house.

The American Red Cross was contacted to provide help for the four adults displaced in the fire.

(Photo courtesy Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services)