Two people arrested after apartment fire in Atlanta, suspected to be caused by fireworks.

Two arrests have been made in connection to the massive apartment fire in Atlanta that forced hundreds to evacuate. Officials have stated that fireworks fired from the roof of the building may have been the cause of the Nov. 10 blaze.

The incident occurred a little after 10:30 p.m. Friday at the Reserve at LaVista Walk apartments in northeast Atlanta. As first responders arrived at the scene, the top of the complex was nearly engulfed in smoke, as over 80 firefighters worked to stop the spread of the flames while evacuating individuals from the property. The quest to completely put out the fire lasted well into the morning, as reported by WSB-TV.

Robert Stokes, 43, and Charnelle Gunn, 35, were arrested on the charges of first-degree criminal damage to property and reckless conduct for allegedly starting the incident by lighting fireworks on top of the property. The rooftop location also made the building’s sprinkler system ineffective, with a delayed response. The two are currently being held in Fulton County Jail.

The affect of the fire was far reaching. Twenty-eight people have been unable to return to their homes, with 20 families being assisted through the aid of the Red Cross. Seventeen people have also suffered from minor injuries and received treatment for smoke inhalation.

On Nov. 14, the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department allowed residents to return to obtain essential belongings, such as their cars. Battalion Fire Chief Matt Driver shared in a statement with Atlanta News First that their focus had shifted to the occupancy of the 2000 building, and that they were allowing people to get their cars out and get essential items out of their buildings.

The building itself is in a state of disrepair and plans have been made to contact the owner to begin the process of tearing it down. Given the damage, it is uninhabitable to live in. It is yet to be seen what the future holds for the Reserve at LaVista Walk apartments.

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