Dozens displaced by fire at luxury apartments behind Atlanta Chick-fil-A, multiple floors collapse

ATLANTA - After a fire erupted at an apartment complex behind a Chick-fil-A on Howell Mill Road on Saturday, dozens of residents were left without a home.

"We’re cooking, and then next thing you know, smelled smoke," said resident Deanna Turner."

Several engines from Atlanta Fire and Rescue pulled into the drive-thru of the fast food restaurant and began to work on the fire behind it at the Bell Collier Village Apartments, a luxury complex located at 1950 Howell Mill Road NW.

Just after 6 p.m., someone called 911 to report large plumes of smoke and flames coming from the roof of the building.

"I saw it from the interstates, and when I drove up, I figured I probably won’t have a place to stay tonight, and I won’t be able to get to my car," said another resident, Cara Wells. "Now, I’m worried about work on Monday."

When firefighters arrived at the scene, they evacuated the entire building. Turner said she was told to get out as fast as she could, and leave everything behind, including her dogs.

Right before the crews went in themselves, they realized multiple floors inside had collapsed, adding another challenge to getting the flames under control in a timely manner.

"With the case in the fourth floor, those compromise the integrity of the building, which make it not safe for firefighters to enter the building," said Anaré Holmes, representing the fire department. "Our first method of attack is to always do an interior attack head on, but when you have those kind of challenges, you have to work and extinguish the fire from outside the building."

Crews have been working at the complex for hours. As of 9:30 p.m., part of the building continued to burn.

Luckily, no deaths or injuries have been reported, and one dog was rescued. But all those displaced residents were left scrambling to find a place to stay. The American Red Cross was called to assist them.

In the midst of a stressful situation, Turner said she's doing her best to focus on the silver lining.

"I’m just grateful that my kids and I were able to get out safely," she said.

While the cause of the fire is still unknown, investigators were able to determine that it began on the roof. FOX 5 Atlanta is working to learn more.

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