A fire broke out on the first floor of a high-rise complex in Downtown Atlanta Wednesday evening, leading to a smoke-filled scramble as firefighters contained the blaze and residents were evacuated. Located at 215 Piedmont Avenue NE, The Landmark condos caught the attention of a passing fire crew at around 6:15 p.m., prompting a quick response and eventual extinguishing of the flames. According to Fox 5 Atlanta, Atlanta Fire Assistant Chief Gary Robb stated that the fire engine happened upon the scene without prior 911 calls, necessitating immediate action.
While the fire was quickly put out, seven individuals suffered from smoke inhalation, with one of them requiring hospital treatment, as reported by Fox 5 Atlanta."They just happened to be riding down the street and rolled up on it, and requested help," Robb recounted. The first floor houses various businesses, where the fire appeared to have originated.
Residents on the fourth floor and higher were told to shelter in place until the danger had passed. Around 50 people were eventually led out of the building and into the relative warmth of a parked MARTA bus. Chevette McPhee, a tourist renting through Airbnb, described the incident as "all hell breaking loose," in an interview with Fox 5 Atlanta.
According to 11Alive, no hospitalization was originally reported immediately following the incident, but residents were left uncertain about their living situations. "We're safe. Waiting to see. I don't know if I want to go back inside or at least get my stuff," Corey Rowe, a recent guest at the complex, shared. Rowe stayed at the complex last night and was alerted to the danger only after a more substantial emergency response kicked in, hearing a beep at first which he initially dismissed.
As the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department continues to investigate, the cause of the fire remains unknown. The Red Cross is aiding those who need temporary housing, clothing, and other essentials in the aftermath of the incident, a situation confirmed by 11Alive. Assistant Chief Robb has also indicated that it's uncertain when residents might be allowed to reenter the premises, as the building had its power cut and sustained smoke damage on the first and second floors.
