Oct. 07 -- An early morning fire at Buford Dam Road Boat Storage, just south of the Hall County line, destroyed 86 boats and four vehicles, according to Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services.
An adjoining motorcycle shop also was damaged in the blaze, which was reported at 5:22 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, by an employee who provides security overnight.
“He reported flames showing from several boat slips,” a press release states.
No injuries were reported.
Crews arrived at Buford Dam Road Boat Storage, 2140 Buford Dam Road, to find heavy flames and smoke showing from about half of the boat storage facility, fire officials said.
Firefighters requested additional units to respond. Numerous pieces of equipment, including aerial ladders, were used to put out the fire. Also at the scene was Gwinnett Fire’s Hazmat Unit.
“The fire extended to the retail and office area and caused a collapse of the roof,” the press release states.
Fire Investigators, spending much of the afternoon sifting through debris at the business, determined the blaze appears to have started in an area between two boats and a pull-behind camper.
The exact cause is still undetermined and is under investigation.
“There was a steady flow of patrons stopping by today who have boats or RV/campers that were destroyed by the blaze,” the press release states.
A fire truck will check back every few hours Sunday evening to make sure there are no smoldering areas.
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