Family loses home to early morning fire

DACULA - A Christmas Eve morning fire has left a North Gwinnett family of six homeless but they escaped the early morning flames unharmed.

Gwinnett fire spokesman Tommy Rutledge says it happened about 5:00 Friday morning at 2195 Amberly Glen Way in Dacula.

"Crews found heavy fire showing from the garage and attic area of a single-story wood frame house on arrival," Capt. Rutledge said. "Firefighters battled the blaze from the outside...due to intense fire conditions. Crews flowed water from an aerial ladder pipe and several hose lines to control the flames and protect exposures."

Capt. Rutledge said their were three adults and three children living there and although all escaped without injury "one occupant, adult female, was transported to (Gwinnett Medical Center) for a medical condition unrelated to the fire."

The blaze destroyed the home and a vehicle parked in the driveway. The cause appears accidental, Rutledge said, and originated from a fire burning in the fireplace.

"The family was renting the house and were using the fireplace to heat the home. They were alerted to the fire after hearing a noise in the attic and smelled smoke."

The Red Cross was contacted to provide assistance.