Balcony Fire Damages Norcross Apartment Unit

NORCROSS, GA—Gwinnett County firefighters worked fast to contain a balcony fire Thursday evening to a single apartment unit located in the 900 block of Harbins Road in Norcross. Crews said they were dispatched to the scene after a resident of the complex called 911 to report the fire. A call was also received from the alarm monitoring company.

The first-due engine arrived to find flames and smoke coming from the balcony of a third-floor apartment unit. Firefighters quickly stretched a fire attack hose line up the stairs to extinguish the blaze and conduct a primary search.

Firefighters said the fire had already extended inside the apartment unit and penetrated part of the attic space as crews gained entry. Crews managed to keep the flames from spreading to the adjoining apartment units.

The fire caused moderate damage inside the origin apartment and extensive cosmetic damage to the exterior of the building. There was residual water damage to the two apartments directly below due to water runoff from the sprinkler system.

According to the fire investigator, the blaze appears to have started on the balcony from discarded smoking materials. Occupants of the apartment where the fire started were not home at the time flames erupted and returned as crews were putting the fire out. There were no injuries reported.

Residents of the building were temporarily evacuated, but were allowed to return to their apartments once the situation was declared under control.

Occupants in the three affected apartment units were displaced due to the damage and were assisted by the American Red Cross.