No injuries were reported, but 20 people were displaced after a Tuesday evening apartment fire in Duluth.
According to a press release from Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services, crews responded just before 5:30 p.m. to the scene at The Everett Apartments on Club Place just off Satellite Boulevard in Duluth.
A 911 caller told dispatch there was smoke coming out of the apartment and that they were attempting to get people out of the building.
Arriving crews found the two-three split apartment building on fire.
"While investigating, firefighters found fire involvement on the first-floor unit extending into the second-floor units and attic space," the release said.
Firefighters checked the adjacent apartments for fire and found smoke damage. Once the fire was controlled, crews found heavy fire damage in the unit where the fire started, along with four other adjacent apartment units. Minimal fire and smoke damage extended to the attic. Smoke and water damage were found on the basement level below the fire.
"The apartment occupant stated he noticed smoke coming from the HVAC unit and notified maintenance, who then looked at it and did not notice any issues," the release said. "Moments later, the occupant noticed more smoke coming from the unit and called 911."
No one was injured, but 14 adults and six children were displaced due to the damage. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents.
Smoke alarms were present at the time of the fire.
Fire investigators determined the fire originated in the first-floor unit and was caused by the HVAC malfunction.
