Gwinnett Countyโs fire deaths have more than tripled since last year. In fact, there have been more fire deaths this year than the last three. Firefighters say they want to help people protect their homes and their lives before the winter. As flames were shooting through the garage, firefighters pulled an elderly woman out of the house. But the smoke had taken hold, and she died at a hospital. Itโs the scene of the latest fire tragedy in Gwinnett, as firefighters work to prevent the next one. โFire safety isnโt just for children,โ said Gwinnett Fire Capt. Ryan McGibboney.
Gwinnett County is experiencing its deadliest year for house fires in recent memory. Nine people have lost their lives to flames that started in their homes. โThe nine this year outnumbers the total amount that weโve had for the last three years,โ McGibboney said. Fire officials say the spike reveals a troubling pattern. All nine victims were adults. โWe understood that this is more than just responding to fires. This is preparedness. This is getting people in their home to get involved. One victim died in June when fire broke out on Round Stone Trail near Snellville. Firefighters found her inside after the roof collapsed. Neighbors remembered her as a neighborhood protector.
โShe used to look after us when we were at the bus stop. She used to just sit outside and wait and watch us,โ neighbor Zaniya Holland said. Firefighters say the deadly fires all started from common activities: โcooking fires, electrical, smoking, things that could be easily prevented,โ McGibboney said. But he says the real killer is what moves faster than the flames. โItโs not the fire itself that kills people. Itโs the smoke, the toxic gases.โ Before any more deaths, firefighters want to send a message that survival comes down to preparation. โIt also means having a plan in place. So when that fire starts, weโre talking seconds that you have,โ Gwinnett Fire Capt. Ryan McGivney said.
