LAWRENCEVILLE — A fire involving several boats in the parking lot of the Bass Pro Shop in Lawrenceville caused heavy damage to four boats and trailers.
The fire did not damage the building or the surrounding Sugar Loaf Mills Mall.
Firefighters responded at 10:12 p.m. to a report of a fire at the Bass Pro Shop, at 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway in unincorporated Lawrenceville. The caller to 911 reported two boats on fire against the building.
Crews arrived 10:17 p.m. to find heavy smoke and flames showing from several boats in the parking lot on the I-85 side of the building. A temporary evacuation of anyone inside the structure was initiated until the situation was declared under control at 10:34 p.m.
The fire was contained to an area of the parking lot that is used for storage. The blaze caused heavy damage to four bass fishing boats and trailers. There was no extension found inside the building or on the roof.
Mall Security confirmed that no smoke or fire entered the actual mall. The fire department’s Hazmat Team was requested to check for potential runoff in a nearby storm drain due to firefighting efforts. There was no significant runoff was detected.
According to Fire Investigators, the blaze originated from one of the boats in the lot and spread to the other three that were located in close proximity. The exact cause of the fire is still undetermined and is under active investigation.
The damaged boats were all customer-owned and were reportedly at the shop for repairs. The blaze sent thick smoke across the interstate as crews applied water and firefighting foam to extinguish the flames.
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