NORCROSS — Just before 3 a.m., firefighters were called to the Reserve at Gwinnett apartments on Graves Road in Norcross after a neighbor reported flames coming from a top-floor balcony. The caller told dispatchers they were trying to help evacuate the building as the fire spread.

When crews arrived, they found heavy fire showing from the front side of a three-story, split-level apartment building. Firefighters immediately went to work with an offensive attack from the third floor, deploying a handline to knock down the flames.

While searches and evacuations were underway, the fire quickly spread into a second apartment and into the attic space. For safety, command pulled crews out of the building and switched to a defensive operation until the main body of fire was brought under control. Once it was safe, crews transitioned back to an offensive mode to fully extinguish and overhaul the remaining hot spots.

Additional firefighters on scene established a rapid intervention team, secured utilities and raised ladders to provide a second means of egress for residents and crews working inside.

The third floor of the building sustained heavy fire damage, with smoke and water damage throughout the lower floors. Fortunately, there was no extension to nearby apartment buildings. Firefighters remained on scene for an extended period to check for hidden fire and ensure all hot spots were completely out. Medical crews stood by for firefighter rehabilitation, and Georgia Power responded to secure electrical service to the affected building.

No occupants were inside the apartment where the fire began. The residents told firefighters they had been out at the park all day. Investigators determined the fire started on the deck, though the exact cause remains undetermined.

No injuries were reported. Sixty residents were displaced and are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross and apartment management.

Fire equipment on scene included seven engines, two ladder trucks, one squad, two medic units, three command staff vehicles, one air and light unit, and one public information officer vehicle.