ATLANTA — Update as of Tuesday 4:30 p.m.: City of Atlanta officials said Tuesday afternoon that a portion of Lavista Road NE has reopened. The other portion of it remains closed.
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Original story: Two people were arrested, and roads are closed as crews deal with the aftermath of an Atlanta apartment complex that caught fire on Friday night in the northeast part of the city, according to authorities.
A woman and man were taken into custody by the Atlanta Police Department and charged with criminal damage to property in the first degree and reckless conduct. Atlanta Police said the fire may have been started by fireworks.
The city of Atlanta issued a travel advisory on Saturday stating that the intersection of LaVista and Cheshire Bridge Roads NE is closed while fire officials continue to address the blaze.
According to the Atlanta Fire and Rescue Department, it happened at the Reserve at LaVista Walk apartments on 1155 LaVista Road NE, a four-story building. Crews said it started around 11 p.m.
"I have no idea what I'm going to do," one resident said to 11Alive, adding, "I've lost everything, absolutely everything."
Hundreds of residents were evacuated due to the fire, and fire officials said the complex had considerable damage. Over a dozen fire trucks were dispatched, along with over 80 firefighters, to deal with the fire.
“I understand people say that things can be replaced, but memories cannot be replaced when you have special memories," Sabrina Anthony, a resident and mother, said. "We’re just gonna take it hour by hour right now.”
Photos | LaVista Walk Apartments fire
According to Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, 20 families are being assisted by the Red Cross at the Central Park Recreation Center on Saturday.
“The City will continue mitigation measures today and anticipates some road closures while the site is secured," Dickens said in a release. “My thoughts remain with the families and the City will continue to find additional ways to support their road to recovery.”
Officials reported that an Atlanta Police Department officer was a resident at the complex and helped notify others to leave the building. He also has lost his home.
“They are going to get a warm place to stay, warm meals, blankets, good care," Jay Lawrence, a Red Cross volunteer, said. "The best we can give on the worst day of their lives."
Atlanta Police said 17 people were treated for smoke inhalation and other minor injuries, adding that one cat died in the fire.
On Friday night, the Red Cross responded to help displaced residents and MARTA buses were brought in to help people shelter in place. Around 2 a.m. on Saturday, Atlanta Fire officials said putting out the flames would take several hours.
Lavista Road NE from Cheshire Bridge NE to Citadel Drive NE and Cheshire Bridge Road NE from Lindbergh St NE to Alco Street NE were all closed for several days. Only a portion of Lavista Road has since reopened in a Tuesday update.
There will also be no public access to the parking deck and Buildings 1000 and 2000 due to collapse hazards from the fire.
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