Pet Smart smoke scare: No fire found

Hall County firefighters responded to the Pet Smart in Flowery Branch after smoke was detected inside the building on Saturday, March 30.Photo byHall County Fire Rescue

Firefighters were called to a pet store in Flowery Branch early Saturday after workers reported a haze and the smell of smoke in the store.

Hall County Fire Rescue responded to the Pet Smart on Spout Springs Road. After thoroughly inspecting the nearly 39,000-square-foot structure and roof, the fire department says crews determined it was a mechanical issue isolated to the office area.

To address the problem, fire personnel secured the power to a water heater in the office.

Hall County EMS Division Chief Bobby Ogletree says crews did not have to evacuate the animals inside the store because there was no fire and minimal smoke inside.