Gwinnett house fire caused by first-time fireplace use

Two Gwinnett County residents trying to use their fireplace for the first time Wednesday have been displaced by a fire.

Firefighters responded to a chimney fire at a home on the 1400 block of Shelly Circle in Lawrenceville at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday. Crews found that the fire had spread to the attic and had to open up a wall and the ceiling to control the flames.

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In addition to the fire damage to the chimney and attic, there was water and smoke damage in the main level of the split-level home. Fire crews determined the blaze was accidental and began with a fire in the fireplace. The occupants of the home had not used the fireplace before.

No injuries were reported. The occupants are being assisted by family and neighbors.