None injured as fire destroys Buford home

BUFORD - Gwinnett County firefighters battled an aggressive residential fire Wednesday afternoon near Buford.

According to Lieutenant Colin Rhoden, Public Information Officer for the department, crews were first notified about the blaze in the 1300-block of Jered Court shortly after 4:30 and were dispatched to the scene immediately. Rhoden said the 9-1-1 caller who alerted authorities to the fire reported heavy smoke and fire showing from the rear of the home.

By the time firefighters were able to arrive at the scene, they discovered a two-story split-level home that was fully involved with fire. Rhoden said all five of the home's occupants had safely exited the residence by the time crews arrived.

Firefighters executed an intense exterior attack to subdue the flames, but due to the extreme nature of the fire, the house was deemed to be a total loss. A Fire Investigator later determined the cause of the fire to be accidental in nature.

Rhoden said the exterior vinyl siding of home adjacent to the burning residence also suffered damage as a result of radiant heat from the flames.

The 5 individuals who live in the decimated home, one adult and four children, will receive assistance from the Red Cross.