Crime & Safety
Model Rocket Sets off 5-Acre Fire in Gwinnett County Park
A 5-acre fire was started in a Lawrenceville Park on Saturday, leading to charges against a 42-year-old man for violating an ordinance that prohibits firing model rockets in Gwinnett County parks.
in Lawrenceville on Saturday, brining it under control in little more than an hour. Officials said a man has been charged, allegedly for starting the fire by setting off a model rocket.
"It is a Gwinnett County Ordinance that prohibits persons from shooting off model rockets within Gwinnett County parks," said GCF&ES spokesman Lt. Eric Eberly, adding he was not sure of the exact details of the code. "But the law is intended specifically for what he violated. My understanding is it is a misdemeanor and he will have to pay a fine for the ticket issued. Fire investigators will not be adding to the charges at this time."
No injuries were reported and no structures were damaged. However, the fire did ignite a large section of dense bush that officials said threatened several areas of the park.
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Multiple fire engines responded and a rehab cooling unit was required for firefighters working in the intense heat. An additional 8,000-gallon watertender truck also was required to get water to areas difficult to reach.
