Nearly two dozen families were displaced when a large fire broke out at a DeKalb County apartment complex and damaged a 20-unit building, officials said.
The fire broke out at the Belle Vista Apartments on Camelia Lane in Lithonia Saturday evening, according to the American Red Cross of Georgia.
DeKalb firefighters arrived at the scene about 6 p.m. and saw heavy flames and smoke coming from a unit on the third floor, Channel 2 Action News reported.
Fire officials told the news station the blaze started in one unit and spread to the roof.
“Most of the damage was to the roof,” DeKalb County fire spokesman Capt. Dion Bentley said. “We had one apartment involved heavily with fire which we were able to take care of that.”
Nobody was hurt in the incident, but 75 people from 23 families were forced from their homes, according to the Red Cross. Spokeswoman Sherry Nicholson said the building suffered fire and water damage and the power was shut off.
Red Cross volunteers met with families to provide assistance such as lodging, clothing, food and health services, Nicholson said.
About the Author
