Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE -- A total of 10 people -- including six children -- were displaced by a pair of overnight fires in Lawrenceville.

At about 6:40 p.m. Monday, Gwinnett County firefighters responded to the 700 block of Steeple Chase Drive and found heavy smoke coming from the front of the residence. Crews made an "aggressive attack," spokesman Lt. Colin Rhoden said, and were able to contain the blaze to the bedroom where it originated.

Seven total residents at that home, including five children, will be displaced because of heavy structural and contents damage to one bedroom and the home's attic, Rhoden said.

The Red Cross was notified for assistance. No injuries were reported, and the fire was ruled accidental.

The exact cause was not released.

Several hours later, firefighters responded to a home on the 1800 block of Eagle Summit Court, also in Lawrenceville. At about 4 a.m., crews began to battle the blaze that a resident stated was accidentally started by a candle.

"Prior to fire department arrival, the resident was attempting to put out the fire that got to the furnishings and in the process sustained a minor burn on the hand," Rhoden said.

Firefighters were forced to battle the fire from outside the home but had the flames under control within about 35 minutes, Rhoden said. Two adults and one child were displaced due to heavy structural damage to the home's second floor and roof.

No injuries were reported.