Gunman who held 4 firefighters hostage in Georgia dead

A gunman who was holding four firefighters hostage has been killed after a SWAT team stormed the home in northwest Georgia, CNN reported.

A police officer was wounded in the exchange of gunfire which included officers detonating a flash-bang grenade about 7:30 p.m.

Gwinnett County Police Cpl. Edwin Ritter said the four firefighters suffered minor injuries when officers entered the house, USA Today reported.

He would not say if SWAT members killed the suspect, AAP reported.

Witnesses described hearing a big explosion followed by several smaller ones or gunshots in the Suwanee neighborhood about 35 miles northeast of Atlanta.

"The SWAT team commander believed their lives were in immediate danger and it was the time to go in there," Ritter said.

The incident began early Wednesday when five firefighters responded to what seemed like a routine medical call in Suwanee.

They were taken hostage, according to USA Today, later releasing one so he could move a truck, said SKY News. 

Ritter said the suspect started making demands, asking police to turn his electricity, cell phone and cable back on.

"Apparently, he was having some financial issues," Ritter said.

Gwinnett County Police Corporal Edwin Ritter told reporters they'd contacted the gunman but didn't know what to expect, according to FOX News. Fire department Captain Tommy Rutledge said they don't think anyone has been hurt. The firefighters "were doing what they do everyday, and we're hopeful for a peaceful resolution," he said, reported FOX. 

Ritter earlier told the Associated Press no motive immediately presented itself. 

SKY said the neighborhood has been evacuated and no one was being allowed in.