Woman, 2 Pets Die In Lawrenceville House Fire

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — A woman and two pets died early Saturday morning in an accidental residential fire in the 1000 block of Tumble Wood Trail, according to the Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services.

Firefighters responded around 6:15 a.m. to the fire after someone called 911, notifying dispatchers they were awakened to the smell of smoke and later discovering the house was on fire.

Bystanders told firefighters a person was possibly still in the home. During a search and rescue, the woman was found dead in a bathroom, fire officials said. She was not identified.

Fire officials said two family pets also died in the fire. Three people were displaced and are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.

The cause of the fire was not released, but fire officials said the fire was ruled accidental.

"This incident is a tragic reminder of the importance of practicing home fire safety. Firefighters encourage residents to develop a home fire escape plan, practice fire drills regularly, install and maintain working smoke alarms and look for and eliminate hazards that could cause a fire to start or grow in intensity," fire officials said in a news release.

For additional home fire and life safety information or a free smoke alarm check, call the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction Division, (678) 518-4845 or email Gwinnett fire officials.