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Landmark business near Lake Lanier catches fire
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BUFORD, Ga. (AP) — The family that operates the Dam Store, a local landmark on the south end of the Lake Lanier, was able to escape a fire that broke out at the business on Buford Dam Road northeast of Atlanta.

Gwinnett County fire officials say crews arrived around 12:04 a.m. and found the two-story portion of the building engulfed in flames. A boat near the building was also burning.

Authorities say family members who live in the residential quarters of the building were alerted to the fire by one of the children who smelled smoke. They reported that the smoke alarms were sounding as they escaped. No one was hurt.

"We are fortunate that everyone was able to escape unharmed, especially given the intensity of the fire on arrival," Gwinnett County Fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge said.

Firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading into the store. The cause of the blaze was under investigation early Wednesday.