No charges in weekend fire that displaced 14 residents

As of Wednesday, September 5, 2012
© Copyright 2013 Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE -- No charges are expected in a Sunday fire caused by a discarded cigarette that left 14 residents of a Lawrenceville apartment complex homeless, officials said.

Fire investigators have determined that the 7 a.m. fire at the Lake Sweetwater Apartments, which damaged eight units and sent one woman to the hospital with smoke-inhalation concerns, was accidental, said Fire Department spokesman Lt. Colin Rhoden.

Twelve adults and two children were displaced and are being assisted by the Red Cross, Rhoden said. Firefighters were able to rescue a cat from the most heavily damaged apartment unit. The animal appeared to be in good health and was being reunited with its owners, Rhoden said.

Through interviews, investigators learned the cigarette that caused the fire had been discarded in a plastic pail on a wooden deck at the back of the damaged building. The responsible person was not identified.

"No arrests will be made for this incident," Rhoden said.

Gwinnett Daily Post