The fire that heavily damaged a Howell Mill Road apartment building on July 17 was likely caused by a propane grill filled with charcoal during an unsanctioned rooftop party.
According to a report from the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (AFRD) more than 100 people were partying on the roof of the five-story Bell Collier Village apartments at 1950 Howell Mill Road NW.
AFRD said despite its swift response, the property owners’ inadequate fire controls significantly contributed to the fire’s intensity.
For more than two hours, 80 AFRD members from 32 fire units – including engines, trucks, heavy rescue, EMS, and command teams – dispensed over 250,000 gallons of water to extinguish the blaze, which was fueled by a combustible rooftop deck and unprotected roof membrane.
“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,” Fire Chief Roderick M. Smith said in a statement. “This disregard for fire regulations not only endangers lives but complicates our emergency response efforts.”
AFRD successfully rescued multiple pets and no lives were lost, though one AFRD member experienced heat exhaustion and was treated on-site. The fire remains under investigation.
Anyone with information about the incident should call the Georgia Arson Control Tip Line at 1-800-282-5804; all tips are anonymous. AFRD urged property owners to prioritize fire safety and proper controls to prevent future incidents.
The property was returned to the owners on July 28 at 12:27 p.m. Structural evaluations, which are the owner’s responsibility, will determine when the building can be safely accessed.
Residents of Bell Collier Village received a letter from the management company stating that it might be “several weeks” before they could access the building again. The letter indicates that all 256 apartments in the building were affected by fire or water damage during the blaze.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
