Fast-moving flames destroyed a popular Peachtree Corners barbeque restaurant on Wednesday afternoon.
FOX 5 viewer Mark Hardin sent us video of smoke billowing around the Dreamland BBQ on Peachtree Parkway as firefighters tried to douse the flames.
Firefighters said that the fire began around 5 p.m. Around 10 employees and some customers got out safely before the building got fully engulfed.
Hardin said that he and his wife were headed to the gym when they saw the smoke from the restaurant. Hardin said that some employees told him that the smoke was coming out of the ceiling but they didn't know the cause of the fire.
Firefighters say they're searching for the origin of the blaze. They said that it burned hot and quickly because the fire was apparently fueled by cooking oils, woods and other materials used in making barbecue food.
"There's certain things that are inside of there that will cause it to flare up a little bit more than your average house fire," said Lt. Colin Rhoden of the Gwinnett County Fire Department.
Firefighters couldn't enter the building because it had become unsafe. Mo Majadi, the owner of the building and landlord to the restaurant, said the restaurant, which opened eight years ago, will reopen.
Majadi estimated it will take about two or three months to rebuild the restaurant.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:17 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:17:23 GMT
Relief agencies from across the country are collecting supplies to help the victims of the deadly tornado in Moore, Okla. The Peachtree City Police Department is collecting donations that will be delivered this weekend.
Relief agencies from across the country are collecting supplies to help the victims of the deadly tornado in Moore, Okla. The Peachtree City Police Department is collecting donations that will be delivered this weekend.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:35 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:35:16 GMT
Residents who live on the south side of Atlanta are upset that their community was ranked the ninth most dangerous neighborhood in the country.
Residents who live on the south side of Atlanta are upset that their community was ranked the ninth most dangerous neighborhood in the country. They're stepping up to defend their neighborhood and organizing residents to form civic associations.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:30 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:30:10 GMT
In the aftermath of the Oklahoma tornadoes, there are several stories of survival from storm victims who were wearing helmets that may have saved their lives.
In the aftermath of the Oklahoma tornadoes, there are several stories of survival from storm victims who were wearing helmets that may have saved their lives.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges. Brooks pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Judge Alan Baverman.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:46 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:46:32 GMT
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife.
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife. Prosecutors say Michael Parson shot his wife, Adina, eight times in April 2012 outside their apartment.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:20 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:20:38 GMT
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe.
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe. They say 1-year-old Annya Buchannon was in the back of a car that was stolen just after midnight from the Playskool Daycare on Conley Road in Forest Park.
