ATLANTA — Atlanta Fire and Rescue has released an incident report regarding the enormous fire that engulfed a high-end apartment complex on Howell Mill Road, forcing hundreds to find housing elsewhere.
The July 27 fire at the Bell Collier Village apartments on 1950 Howell Mill Rd., which, according to fire officials, was sparked by an unsanctioned rooftop party with improper grill use, required a massive response -- including a second alarm and extensive coordination among fire units.
Despite the fire’s rapid spread and partial collapse, firefighters managed to safely evacuate all residents, with no injuries reported. The incident caused $500,000 in damages, primarily to the building's contents.
In response to this incident, Atlanta Fire Rescue has established a new task force focused on rooftop safety inspections in multi-occupancy buildings. This move aims to prevent future tragedies by enforcing stricter safety standards and more frequent inspections.
What caused the Bell Collier fire?
The fire started during a party where over 100 people were gathered on the rooftop of the apartment building. Attendees used a charcoal grill improperly in a propane setup, officials have said, leading to multiple ignition points. Upon arrival, fire units saw heavy smoke and flames coming from the roof, forcing immediate action. According to the report, the firefighting strategy involved setting up a flying standpipe to attack the fire from the roof. However, as the fire spread to an adjacent tower, a partial collapse on the Alpha side forced a shift to defensive operations.
Firefighter Response and Challenges
Firefighters reported facing significant challenges while putting out the fire, including a broken hydrant and the rapid spread of flames, which led to the collapse.
One fire squad and other units worked to evacuate residents from the top floors while also battling the fire. The report details all the coordination efforts, with different teams securing water supplies, setting up aerial apparatus (an elevating platform or power-operated extension ladder used for ventilation, rescue and accessing upper levels) and executing evacuations.
Safety Measures and Future Steps
In the aftermath, Atlanta Fire Rescue is taking proactive steps by forming a task force dedicated to inspecting rooftop recreational areas in multi-occupancy properties. This task force aims to reduce inspection intervals, ensure compliance with safety standards, and prevent similar incidents in the future.
In a news release jointly issued on Aug. 16 by the City of Atlanta and Atlanta Fire Rescue, Chief Roderick M. Smith said, "The failure to maintain essential fire safety measures and the presence of an unsanctioned party with hazardous equipment underscores the need for property owners to ensure compliance with safety standards."