9-1-1 reported smoke was coming out of the crawlspace of a business in the historic business district of downtown Buford on Monday, according to the Gwinnett County Fire Dept.
Crews arrived at 12:41 PM to the three-story commercial structure located at the 100 block of East Main Street NE. The 9-1-1 caller reported smoke coming from the backside of the building.
According to the fire dept., there was active water flow from inside of the building. Firefighters had to force entry by cutting through two doors using a K-12 saw. Firefighters evacuated neighboring buildings until the fire was located and distinguished.
The fire was discovered near two sprinkler-heads. According to the fire dept., the fire was suppressed by the activated sprinklers, but put out completely upon entry into the building.
The fire begun spreading to the second floor of the structure, but further damage was prevented due to the quick-action of the firefighters, Donald Strother with the Gwinnett County Fire Dept. said.
The building suffered extensive water damage, moderate smoke damage and minor fire damage. No injuries were reported.
The fire was determined to be electrical.
