Two Gwinnett County families were forced out of their homes on Thanksgiving Day when fires spread from their fireplaces to their attics.
Both fires appeared to be accidental, and the displaced families were receiving aid from the American Red Cross, said Tommy Rutledge, spokesman for the Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
The first fire happened early Thursday morning in an older single-story wood frame and brick house in Lawrenceville. The fire escaped the firebox, and burned up the chimney chase and into the attic, Rutledge said.
Two adults were watching TV when they smelled smoke coming from the attic, and they escaped the house safely. The fire caused moderate damage to the fireplace and attic, as well as water damage.
The second fire was in a split-level wood frame house in Snellville on Thursday afternoon, when a fire rose from the fireplace and spread to the wall and attic, Rutledge said.
The fireplace had been burning most of the day, and the blaze caused extensive damage to the chimney and attic. Three adults were displaced by the damage.
“Either the fireplace has not been checked annually … or they can have a fireplace burn too hot,” Rutledge said.
He said fireplaces and home heating appliances should be inspected by a qualified technician.
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