One dog died and two others were rescued in a house fire Wednesday afternoon in Sugar Hill, according to Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services.

Firefighters arrived just after 5 p.m. at the home, located in the 5000 block of Hidden Branch Drive, after a man in the home called 911, a fire department spokeswoman said. He told investigators he was asleep when he heard popping sounds.

There were fire alarms in the home, but they didn’t wake up the resident, according to Jessica Joiner with the fire department. The man was able to safely evacuate with two dogs, Joiner said.

Firefighters arrived and began battling the flames. Inside the home, they found a dog that had died. No other injuries were reported. The scene was under control in about 30 minutes, but the house sustained extensive damage.

Investigators determined the accidental fire started on the stovetop.

The American Red Cross was providing temporary assistance to two adults who lived in the home and the two dogs.

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Instructor Daniel Jean-Baptiste reminds students to "measure twice, cut once" while using a hand saw at the Construction Ready accelerated summer program at Westside Works in Atlanta on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The program provides training for careers in construction and the skilled trades. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

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