Lawrenceville Apartment Fire Displaces 31, Injures Firefighter After Roof Collapse

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — A massive fire destroyed a three-story building at the Oxford Apartments on Tuesday morning, displacing more than 30 residents and injuring a firefighter after a partial roof collapse during firefighting operations.

Firefighters Confront Heavy Flames

The Gwinnett County Fire Department received multiple 911 calls at 8:53 a.m. reporting flames from a top-floor unit at 1406 Club Lakes Parkway. Callers also warned that residents could be trapped inside.

Fire crews arrived to find heavy fire engulfing the structure. Two hose lines were deployed in an aggressive attack while firefighters conducted search and rescue. During the operation, the roof collapsed, temporarily trapping a fire crew on a second-story balcony. They were safely evacuated by ladder.

Evacuations and Injuries

More than 20 occupants were rescued during the fire. In total, 12 apartment units were destroyed, leaving 31 residents displaced.

One firefighter sustained non-life-threatening burn injuries and was transported to a local burn center. Another firefighter was evaluated on scene for a non-life-threatening illness and released. One resident also suffered minor injuries and was transported for treatment.

Residents and Recovery Efforts

Occupants of the fire unit said they awoke to the sound of crackling and saw flames and smoke when they opened their bedroom door. Fire investigators confirmed no smoke alarms were present in the unit.

The American Red Cross and apartment management are assisting displaced residents with emergency housing and recovery needs. Five Fire Chaplains also responded to the scene to support crews and the injured firefighter.

Investigation Underway

Investigators determined the fire began on a second-story balcony, but the exact cause remains under investigation. Crews stayed at the scene for several hours to extinguish hot spots and monitor flare-ups.