Gwinnett Daily Post

NORCROSS -- A woods fire behind Meadowcreek High School scorched several acres Monday but did not disturb the school's operations, officials said.

Gwinnett County firefighters responded to the blaze burning in a "large area on a steep hill" between the school and a rock quarry operated by Vulcan Materials about 11:15 a.m., spokesman Capt. Tommy Rutledge said.

"The fire was burning in dense woods and was fed by steady winds," Rutledge said.

Battling the difficult terrain, crews used hoses and handheld "fire-rakes" to contain the fire and also received help from a water tanker and tractor from Vulcan. Firefighters stayed on scene until about 3:30 p.m. to wet down hot spots in the fire that ultimately burned six or seven acres, Rutledge said.

Gwinnett County schools spokesman Jorge Quintana said there were no disruptions to Meadowcreek's operations and no evacuations were necessary.