Leonard Fortner
ATLANTA - Sixteen people have been displaced, and an arson investigation has been launched after a fire tore through an apartment complex along Joseph E. Boone Boulevard on New Year’s Day.
Firefighters were dispatched just before 5 p.m. to a report of an apartment fire with a person trapped inside near Dixie Hills Circle in northwest Atlanta, according to Captain Scott Powell with Atlanta Fire Rescue.
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Fire tears through NW Atlanta apartment complex
Officials are investigating a fire at an apartment complex along Joseph E. Boone Boulevard as a possible arson. The fire displaced 16 people and damaged eight units.
When crews arrived, they found the blaze had spread from a downstairs apartment to the top and was trying to spread to other units. Firefighters were able to pour water on the flames shortly after arriving.
Meanwhile, Atlanta police officers were helping residents to evacuate.
No one was injured and no one had to be rescued.
The bulk of the flames were contained to the upstairs and downstairs apartments, but another six units suffered water and smoke damage.
Firefighters say one person, who was taken into custody by Atlanta police as they ran from the scene, is being questioned.
"The witnesses on the scene reported somebody had started a fire in the apartment. He was seen fanning the fire by other residents of the apartment," said Capt. Powell.
The person who was arrested was identified as Leonard Fortner on Tuesday. FOX 5 Atlanta is waiting for his mug shot.
The Red Cross assisted those left homeless by the blaze.