Elderly Man Who Died In Fire May Have Been Looking For Dog: GCFD

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — The Gwinnett County Fire Department gave an update Monday on a fatal house fire Sunday in the 80 block of Bleeker Street, SW Lawrenceville. Gwinnett Fire said the man, in his 70s, may have been looking for his dog that also ended up dying in the fire.

The man's wife was found safe, visiting with her adult daughter. Of the two dogs located inside the home, one was discovered alive. There were no other injuries reported.

The name of the victim and cause of death will be released by the Medical Examiner when available.

The exact cause of Sunday’s fatal house fire on Bleeker Street is still undetermined. The fire appears to have started in the corner of the garage that was converted to a living room. Smoke alarms located in the home were believed to be inoperable at the time of the fire.

Fire Investigators say there were several potential ignition sources found within the area of origin. So far, they have been unable to rule-out multiple electrical components or an accidental human act as a possible cause. Furnishings in the room included a couch, table, lamp, power strip, space heater and other household items. Medical oxygen tanks found in the debris could have contributed to the fire's intensity. Fire Investigators finished processing the scene Sunday evening and collected debris samples to be sent for lab testing. Fire crews assisted family members with gathering a few belongings from the house before leaving the scene.

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The victim was found lying on the floor in the fire room near the back door. The man sustained obvious injuries related to smoke and heat exposure. It is unknown whether he was trying to escape the burning home, or if he was looking for the dogs to get them out. The cause of death will be determined by the Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s Office.

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Photos courtesy Gwinnett County Fire Department