Apartment Fire Displaces 20 Residents in Norcross

Gwinnett County Firefighters responded to an apartment fire at Forest Vale Apartments on Forest Vale Drive in Norcross on March 13th at 1:12 p.m. Upon arrival, they found a two-story building ablaze, with flames originating from a first-floor unit and extending into the attic through a common wall.

Crews worked diligently to extinguish the fire, deploying hose lines and employing vertical ventilation techniques. All occupants were evacuated safely, with no reported injuries or medical issues.

Residents reported noticing a strange smell in the kitchen before hearing crackling sounds in the walls, prompting them to realize the severity of the situation. Fourteen adults and six children were displaced due to fire, smoke, and water damage.

The American Red Cross was called to assist the affected residents, while apartment management pledged further aid. Fire investigators determined the cause to be accidental, of electrical nature.

Despite the significant damage to four apartment units on the right side of the building, occupants on the left side were fortunate to escape unscathed, with their units remaining unaffected.

Emergency response to the scene included five engines, one ladder truck, one squad, one rescue unit, two medical units, three command staff units, one air and light unit, one investigator, and one Public Information Officer (PIO).

Smoke alarms, present and operational at the time, played a crucial role in alerting residents and facilitating a swift evacuation.