Improperly discarded fireworks caused two house fires overnight Monday in Gwinnett County.
According to a press release from Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services, in both incidents, the debris was thought to be extinguished and was placed close to the exterior siding of the homes to be thrown away later.
The first incident was at a home in the 1300 block of Shirley Drive in Buford. Fire crews responded to the call at about 12:40 a.m. Tuesday after a neighbor called 911 and said the side of the house was on fire.
Fire damage spread into the garage and attic space. Crews were able to extinguish the flames. The home's residents were able to safely evacuate.
The family reported they have been shooting fireworks when it started raining. All trash from the fireworks was thrown into a plastic trashcan and placed near the house. Some of the debris was not fully extinguished, allowing the fire to develop and spread to the exterior of the home.
The family declined Red Cross assistance and will stay with family while repairs are made to the home.
The second fire happened at a home in the 3000 block of Meadow Point Drive in Snellville. Firefighters responded to the home at about 12:52 a.m. after a 911 caller said the side of the house was on fire, and the house next door was also starting to burn.
The fire was eventually extinguished. No one was injured. The fire was determined to have started on the exterior of the home from firework debris. The occupants were alerted by smoke alarms to safely exit the home. The family of two adults and six children will require assistance from the Red Cross. The family in the other home involved in the fire was able to stay in their home.
Firefighters emphasized the importance of soaking discharged fireworks in water before discarding them in the trash. More safety information can be found at GwinnettSafety411.com.
