Lilburn man sets off fireworks, burns own home

By Larry Hartstein

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A Lilburn homeowner who set off fireworks Sunday night sparked a fire that burned his roof and sent smoke throughout the house, Gwinnett County fire officials said.

Firefighters were called to the 100 block of Stoneview Drive just after 1 a.m. Flames were coming from the roof, and the homeowner was trying to extinguish them, Lt. Eric Eberly said. Firefighters brought the blaze under control in 45 minutes.

No one was hurt. The fire caused "moderate damage to the home and sent significant smoke throughout the structure," Eberly said.

Six adults and six children were displaced, but the family denied Red Cross aid, Eberly said.

Arson investigators believe the fire was accidental, "caused by fireworks utilized by the homeowners earlier," Eberly said.