Gwinnett Fire: Unattended Candle May Be to Blame in Duplex Fire

An unattended candle used in a dark closet to provide light appears to be the cause of a Friday morning fire at a Duluth duplex, fire officials said.

The accidental fire was discovered as a grandmother was preparing two children for school shortly before 8 a.m. at 3291 Duluth Pines North, according to a press release from Gwinnett Fire.

The home was evacuated and no injuries were reported. The grandmother found the fire in a bedroom after hearing the fire alarm sound.

“The smoke alarm did its job and provided early warning for the occupants and gave them added time to escape,” said Gwinnett Fire Captain Tommy Rutledge. “This incident is an example of why working smoke alarms are so important in the home.”

The fire caused heavy damage to the residence, and minor damage to the attic of the adjacent unit, firefighters said.

The Red Cross was contacted to provide assistance to the family.

FIRE SAFETY MESSAGE

According to firefighters, candles should be supervised at all times and should never be left burning unattended. All candles should be snuffed out before going to bed or when leaving the home for any period of time.

For additional information on home fire safety, contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction Division at 678-518-4845 or e-mail fireprograms@gwinnettcounty.com. The fire department offers free home safety surveys and smoke alarm checks as part of its community outreach programs.

(Photos: Gwinnett Fire PIO)