Gwinnett townhome severely damaged after water heater catches fire

SNELLVILLE, Ga. — A Gwinnett County family is without a home after their townhome caught fire on Tuesday.

Firefighters say they were called to Baywood Tree Lane in Snellville just before 7 p.m. when one of the residents called 911 and said their smoke alarm had gone off and they were working to warn others about the fire.

When crews arrived, they could see a large amount of flames coming out of the townhome.

Fire officials say the fire was an accident and started in the area of the water heater.

Most of the damage was contained to the townhome where the fire started.

One adult reported having a minor burn and was treated and released on scene. No one else was injured.

The Red Cross was called out to assist three adults who were displaced by the fire.

Gwinnett fire officials credit the working smoke alarms with giving the residents time to get out of the townhome and save their lives. They say if you want to have them check to make sure your home is protected in case of fire, click here.