Gwinnett hotel temporarily evacuated when candle, pizza box cause fire

More than 40 hotel guests were temporarily evacuated after a candle and a pizza box started a fire in a guest’s room early Sunday morning, Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services said.

Firefighters responded to the WTL Extended Stay hotel in Norcross at 3:23 a.m. The occupant of the room alerted a manager to the fire, and the manager called 911.

Gwinnett business's building severely damaged in fire

There was some smoke coming out of the room’s window when firefighters arrived, said Capt. Tommy Rutledge, a spokesman for Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services. The fire was contained to one room, but there was extensive damage to the space. Two other adjoining rooms had smoke damage.

Guests were allowed to return to their rooms around 5:15 a.m.

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Authorities said it would help alleviate traffic in the area.

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