2-alarm fire in Clayton County displaces dozens, 1 injured

Dozens displaced by Clayton County fire

Exactly 36 residents are searching for new homes after a fast-moving fire destroyed a Clayton County apartment building and forced several people to jump to safety.

CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. - A two-alarm apartment fire in Clayton County displaced dozens of residents Friday morning and sent one person to the hospital, officials said.

What we know:

Firefighters with Clayton County Fire & Emergency Services were called to an apartment complex on Garden Walk Boulevard just before 7:40 a.m. Crews arrived within minutes to find heavy flames coming from the rear of Building 13 and quickly began working to contain the fire.

Due to intense fire conditions, crews shifted to a defensive strategy, focusing on protecting nearby buildings and ensuring firefighter safety. More than 50 personnel responded, including multiple fire engines, ladder trucks, medics and command staff. The Clayton County Police Department also assisted at the scene.

Officials said five civilians were evaluated, and one person was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment. No firefighters were injured.

The fire displaced 36 residents and caused an estimated $750,000 in damage. The American Red Cross is helping those affected with temporary housing and other support.

What they're saying:

Shawnia Forrester said within seconds of waking up Friday morning, she saw black smoke and flames at her apartment and had to make a decision.

"I was in shock. I can't even tell you. I just-- my brain probably just stopped right there," she said. "After five seconds of us going to get our phones and walking back to try to leave out, we couldn't. The fire was already coming down to the point where it was-- we were going to be burnt if we went out the front door, so we had to go out the balcony."

Forrester said she and her brother jumped to safety and were not hurt. 

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"I couldn't get keys, you know, I didn't get the important things," she said. "The fire came so fast, I had to hurry up and get out. My brother was freaking out."

Lasheda Lee drove to the complex to check on her mother's apartment, but she said everything was lost. 

"I just don't know what to do. I don’t know. She's gonna have to start all over," Lee said. "No pets or nothing, just my grandma's belongings, like, things that were, you know, meant a lot to my mom that we can't get back."

What we don't know:

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.