Fire Damages Lawrenceville Hispanic Radio Station

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – There were no injuries when Gwinnett firefighters responded to a fire at a Lawrenceville Hispanic radio station at 10:29 a.m., Dec. 26. La Bonita (WPLO) 610 AM is located in the 200 block of Ezzard Street. Fire investigators determined the cause was a malfunctioning heating system, attached to the exterior wall on the right side of the building.

A 911 caller reported smoke and flames coming from the business. Crews arrived on scene to find a working fire in a single-story, L-shaped modular structure. Smoke and flames were visible from the right side of the structure as crews deployed hose lines. An aggressive interior fire attack resulted in a quick knockdown, according to the Gwinnett Fire Department. Extensive fire damage was confined to the far right side of the structure including the exterior wall. The remainder of the right side sustained smoke and water damage.

Firefighters reported that an employee said he arrived at work this morning and turned on the buildings heating unit. After a couple hours, the employee was alerted by activated smoke alarms and the smell of smoke. The employee exited the structure and remained outside until fire crews arrived.

Firefighters encourage home and business owners to practice fire safety, especially during the cold weather season. Be sure to install working smoke alarms, develop an evacuation plan and practice fire drills regularly. Check and maintain home and business heating appliances such as the furnace, fireplace, wood burning stove and space heater.

Equipment at the scene included: five engines, two trucks, one squad, one air/light unit, one medic unit, one battalion chief, one deputy chief and two arson investigators.

Photos courtesy Gwinnett Fire