Large party to blame for massive fire at West Midtown apartment building

ATLANTA — Improper fire controls at the Bell Collier Village apartment complex led to the intensity of a massive fire that has displaced hundreds of residents, Atlanta Fire has confirmed.

Channel 2′s Michael Doudna reported Friday that former residents have been left without homes, access to medications, and some pets remain trapped inside their apartments.

In summary, residents feel they have lost everything.

Frustration is rising after a recent report confirmed issues with the complex contributed significantly to the fire.

Now, they watch behind a gate, anxious and uncertain if they will retrieve their belongings before it’s too late.

Atlanta Fire Chief’s report detailed multiple missteps by the complex, starting from an unauthorized rooftop party where over 100 people were present, using a grill that violated building protocol.

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Combined with existing building issues, the situation quickly escalated into a nightmare for many residents.

Those affected express strong dissatisfaction, saying the complex ignored warning signs for weeks. Now, their lives are in limbo, and the building may be demolished.

“They are little things that take five seconds that could have made a difference, and now we are displaced and without houses,” said one female resident.

“Devastating isn’t the word, it’s unacceptable. I’m speechless, and I’m just glad I’m not crying right now because I’ve been crying for days straight,” another female resident said.

A male resident shared his frustration.

“Because of the steps someone else decided not to take, we are losing everything. They are going to get an insurance check and get their hands off it. It’s unacceptable,” he told Doudna.

A significant concern for some residents includes their pets. One woman shared that her cat is still inside her apartment, but she has not been allowed to retrieve her animal.

The fire department continues its investigation, but for now, displaced residents wait and hope for a resolution.

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