GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — At least 20 residents were displaced, 10 of them needing an evacuation, on Tuesday evening after an apartment fire in Gwinnett County.
Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services said firefighters responded just before 5:30 p.m. to The Everett apartments on Club Place outside Duluth.
"The 911 caller advised there was smoke coming out of the apartment. The caller stated they were attempting to get people out of the apartment building," a Facebook post said.
The post said crews arrived and found the fire in a first-floor unit as it was extending into second-floor units and attic space.
Gwinnett Fire said: "Once the fire was controlled, heavy fire damage was found in the initial fire unit and four other adjacent apartment units with minimal fire and smoke damage to the attic. Smoke and water damage were found on the basement level below the fire unit and adjacent apartment units. No injuries or medical complaints were found on the scene."
According to Gwinnett Fire, a resident said he noticed smoke coming from the HVAC unit and called maintenance, who checked on it but did not notice anything unusual.
"Moments later, the occupant noticed more smoke coming from the unit and called 911. Approximately 10 occupants were evacuated due to the fire. There were 14 adults and six children who were displaced due to the fire, smoke, and water damage. The American Red Cross was requested and will be assisting the occupants," the fire service said.
Gwinnett Fire said investigators determined the fire was caused by the possible malfunction of the HVAC unit.
