A fire Sunday morning at Buford Dam Road Boat Storage in Buford destroyed at least 86 boats and four vehicles.
Tommy Rutledge, a spokesman for the Gwinnett County Fire Department, says a security guard at the business reported the fire about 5:20, saying flames were showing from several boat slips.
"Crews arrived to find heavy flames and smoke showing from about half of the large boat storage facility," Rutledge said. "Firefighters requested additional units to respond and mounted a defensive attack to control the blaze and protect exposures. The Fire Department’s Hazmat Unit was requested to respond to monitor runoff of water due to fuels burning and foam application. The fire extended to the retail and office area and caused a collapse of the roof."
Rutledge added "There is a total loss to approximately 86 boats and 4 vehicles. An adjoining motorcycle shop is also damaged."
The cause of the fire is currently undetermined and is under investigation. There are no injuries reported.
Rutledge said there are three separate buildings (boat slips) on the property, but only the one boat slip building (the one connected to the office) is damaged. No other boat slips or boats are involved.
