Grass fire burns 5 acres at Chateau Elan subdivision

Investigators believe a portable fire pit sparked a grass fire that scorched about 5 acres in the Chateau Elan community in Gwinnett County.

Firefighters battled dry, windy conditions in containing the blaze, which originated at a home in the 5400 block of Autumn Flame Drive, Gwinnett fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge said. The fire was under control about 40 minutes after crews arrived around 3:50 p.m. Saturday.

The exteriors of five homes, including air conditioning units and windows, were damaged, as well as several electrical transformer, cable and phone boxes, Rutledge said.