MARIETTA, Ga. — Nearly 20 families have lost their home after a raging fire at an apartment complex in Marietta.
Firefighters were called to The Gallery apartments on Franklin Gateway just before 6 p.m. Saturday.
While firefighting and rescue operations were taking place, there was a structural collapse that temporarily threatened the safety of the crews, officials said.
Shortly after the partial collapse, two separate residents notified fire personnel that their dogs were still trapped inside.
"The first thing out my mind is my dog - that's my family," Lino Weverson said.
"It's a really awful day because we just scream, 'Please get our dog, get our dog.' They broke the window, but it's scary," Jordana Castro said.
Rotco, who Jordana and Lino call their baby, is one fortunate dog. The couple was out enjoying the spring day when a friend called warning them that their building was on fire.
With the top of the building still in flames, firefighters went on a mission to rescue the dogs.
They ended up rescuing Rotco and two other dogs from another apartment.
"Two different families that were distraught," Marietta police spokesperson Chuck McPhilamy said. "Fire was able to contain the flames long enough to breach the doors and windows to go in and rescue all three of those animals."
Flames ripped through the third floor and attic of one building, which had 20 units, near the front of the complex.
"They were not only concerned with the active fire on the single building," McPhilamy said. "They were also attempting to keep water on the building adjacent to it that does have extensive heat damage."
Lino and Jordana had made plans to stay with a friend in the meantime. But, they said that they are truly counting their blessings.
"Everything you can replace, but this is our family, we can't replace our family," Jordana said.
Marietta officials said everyone was safely rescued, but one person was taken to the hospital with a non-life-threatening medical complaint. No injuries were attributed to the fire.
Firefighters said it's too early to say what sparked the fire. In the meantime, the American Red Cross has been out working to help displaced families.
Marietta Police said they would like for any resident or person who passed by tha may have cell phone photos or video, or other information about this fire to contact Commander Jason Garner at (770) 794-5466.
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