Firefighters with Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services responded to a residential fire near the 2600 block of Kilgore Road in Buford on Monday evening.
At approximately 6:20 p.m., fire crews arrived to find a small fire that had started in the chimney area of a home. According to the fire department, the occupants had lit their first fire of the season when flames “escaped the firebox,” igniting part of the roof near the chimney.
Firefighters quickly contained the blaze, limiting damage to a small section of the roof. No injuries were reported, and the residents were not displaced.
While the damage was minimal, officials say the incident is a timely reminder for homeowners to take precautions when using wood-burning fireplaces this winter.
Fireplace Safety Tips from the U.S. Fire Administration:
- Have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned at least once a year.
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and test them regularly.
- Always use a sturdy screen to keep sparks and embers inside the fireplace.
- Keep flammable materials at least three feet away from the hearth.
- Fully extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.
- Dispose of ashes in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid.
- Burn only dry, seasoned wood to reduce soot buildup and the risk of chimney fires.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.
As temperatures drop, fire officials encourage residents to stay warm—but stay safe—by practicing proper fireplace maintenance and fire safety habits.
