News Nearby: Grandfather Treated for Smoke Exposure After Fire

A grandfather was treated for smoke exposure following a house fire near Lawrenceville on Tuesday.

Gwinnett Fire said in a news release sent Wednesday that the man was taken to Gwinnett Medical Center after being evaluated by paramedics. He was home with his three grandchildren when they were alerted to the fire by a smoke alarm. The blaze on School Side Way occurred after 4 p.m. Tuesday, according to the news release.

The man and the children were outside when firefighters arrived at 4:25 p.m. No other injuries were reported.

“This incident drives home the importance of early warning during a house fire. We are fortunate that no one was seriously hurt,” Gwinnett Fire Captain Tommy Rutledge said in the news release.

The fire appears to have been accidentally started in a trash can in a second-floor bathroom. The blaze caused moderate damage in the master bedroom and sent smoke throughout the second floor. The family will be displaced until repairs are made, the fire department said.

Additional info on smoke alarms from Gwinnett Fire

Smoke alarms are designed to alert occupants of the presence of smoke or fire inside the home and provides added time for escape before conditions rapidly deteriorate. Firefighters suggest installing smoke alarms on every level of the home and in each of the bedrooms. Develop a home fire escape plan and practice fire drills regularly. Knowing what to do when a fire breaks out can often spell the difference between life and death.

For additional information on home fire safety and smoke alarms, please contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction Section 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.