Yesterday just after midnight, a fire erupted inside the walls of The Atlantic Newtown Apartment Homes on Ashley Forest Drive in Roswell, displacing a total of seventeen residents. As reported by CBS News, the Roswell Fire Department was alerted to the incident upon the appearance of light smoke, which led them to discover an insidious blaze travelling through concealed wall spaces across several connected units.
Over the span of several hours, firefighters diligently worked through the night to halt the fire's advance. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the crews opened walls in order to fully extinguish the fire. Their efforts resulted in the rescue of a cat, and one firefighter from an assisting agency sustained a minor injury during the response.
The aftermath of the fire left several apartments heavily damaged, and the American Red Cross has stepped in to assist the newly homeless residents. Jose Jenao, one of the affected residents, described the rapid escalation of the scene to FOX 5 Atlanta, saying, "It was in seconds that the smoke was all over the place," and lamented the unfortunate timing so close to Thanksgiving, expressing the difficulty his family now faces.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, with no definitive source currently identified. The fire's hidden nature and spread through the wall spaces add complexity to the investigation. Reuben Prada from ATI Disaster Recovery Services told FOX 5 Atlanta, "I’m telling you, this is the worst scenario, the fire," and "Everything is gone," detailing the extent of destruction in some of the units.
In response to the tragedy, Roswell Fire officials have reminded the public of the importance of fire safety. They urge families to check their smoke alarms and establish clear escape plans.
