Religious Shrine Causes Gwinnett House Fire

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — A candle that was part of a religious shrine caused a fire that injured four family members late Tuesday in Lawrenceville.

Crews were called to the home, in the 3300 block of Stanford Circle, at 11:48 p.m. Tuesday. When they arrived, they were met outside by three people who were injured in the fire.

The homeowner told firefighters that his wife woke up when she smelled smoke and felt heat inside the home. The man said they couldn't get downstairs because of fire and smoke, so he jumped out of a second-story bathroom window, got a ladder that was in the yard and helped his adult granddaughter and her infant daughter get out of the house.

He wasn't able to get his wife out of the window though, he said.

Fire crews got into the home to rescue the grandmother, who was found semi-conscious in the window. She had passed out from breathing in smoke and toxic gases, said Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services spokesman Capt. Tommy Rutledge.

Firefighters got her out of the house via the stairs and she was carried to an ambulance. She was taken to Gwinnett Medical Center in Lawrenceville, where she was listed in critical condition.

The adult granddaughter and her baby also were taken to the hospital by ambulance to be treated for smoke inhalation. The grandfather was examined and released at the scene by paramedics. Three dogs also were rescued from the home and were being cared for by a neighbor.

Fire investigators say the blaze appears accidental and was sparked by an unattended lit candle in the family room. The candle was part of a religious shrine and was left burning when the family went to bed, they say.

The fire caused moderate damage to the family room and sent intense smoke and heat throughout the rest of the house. The only smoke alarm in the house was found to be missing a battery.

"This fire is a prime example of why a burning candle should never be left unattended," said Rutledge. "We are hoping and praying for a complete recovery for the injured occupants and positive outcome."

Firefighters encourage residents to snuff-out candles when going to bed or when leaving their homes. Consider using flameless candles to reduce the risk of fire and unintentional injury, they say.

Firefighters also are urging all residents to install and maintain working smoke alarms inside the home, one on every level and in each of the bedrooms.

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Photo courtesy Gwinnett Fire & Emergency Services