A predawn fire tore through a Lithia Springs apartment building early Friday, sending thick black smoke into the sky and pushing dozens of residents out into the dark. As flames raced across the roof, neighbors sprinted door to door, pounding and yelling for people to get out. By the time the smoke began to clear, roughly 17 families were displaced and several residents had been checked for smoke inhalation.
Douglas County Fire crews were called to the complex at 406 Crossings Drive, according to CBS News. Douglas County Fire Chief Miles Allen said about 20 units took on smoke damage and two apartments were heavily involved as firefighters worked to get the flames under control. Crews used handlines and a ladder truck to knock down the main body of the fire, then shifted into mop-up to chase hot spots.
Damage And Displacement
Fire officials told local media that two apartments were destroyed and about 19 more were hit with smoke or water damage, displacing roughly 17 families, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta. Hours after the flames were out, residents clustered outside the building, many still in pajamas and clutching whatever they had grabbed on the way out. Investigators were headed in to sort through the debris and begin figuring out what sparked the blaze.
Neighbors Went Door To Door
Neighbors were the first line of defense, banging on doors and hustling families out as the fire grew, WSB-TV reported. One resident, Beloved Dillard, told CBS News she first caught a whiff of what smelled like burning wires before the roof was “engulfed” and said, “It was very scary.” Officials said Dillard later received treatment for smoke inhalation.
Recovery Under Way
The American Red Cross arrived to help those who lost their homes, and neighbors quickly launched fundraisers to replace basic necessities and medications, according to Atlanta News First. One fundraiser highlighted by the station had already pulled in hundreds of dollars to help Dillard replace medication she had to leave behind during the frantic escape.
Investigators Search For A Cause
Two to three people may have suffered injuries, including possible smoke inhalation, and EMS crews evaluated residents at the scene, FOX 5 Atlanta reported. Fire investigators were en route to determine what started the blaze, and authorities had not yet released a cause.
