Fire destroys warehouse for nonprofit Furniture Bank of Meto Atlanta

ATLANTA - An early morning fire has destroyed the Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta’s warehouse in southwest Atlanta, dealing a major blow to a nonprofit that provides essential furnishings to families in need.

What we know:

The fire broke out shortly after 4 a.m. Wednesday at the organization’s facility on Murphy Avenue, near the West End Mall. 

Flames quickly ripped through the warehouse, collapsing part of the roof and leaving all of its contents—mattresses, furniture, and other donated materials—destroyed. Fire crews spent hours on the scene, using drones to assess the situation from above and monitor for flare-ups. At least one firefighter was treated for dehydration and taken to the hospital as a precaution.

The loss is deeply felt across the community. The Furniture Bank has long served as a vital resource for families transitioning out of homelessness or fleeing domestic violence, providing them with beds, couches, and other necessities.

What they're saying:

Executive Director Megan Anderson expressed shock and heartbreak over the destruction, noting the loss comes at a time of high need.

"The need in Atlanta is constant throughout the year," Anderson said. "We had just gotten a huge donation from the university and purchased about 200 mattresses to give to our clients. Our warehouse was more full than usual."

She added that ten families were scheduled to receive furniture today, and another 200 are already on the nonprofit’s calendar. "We’re not going to be here for them tomorrow," she said.

In the meantime, the organization is asking for public support to continue serving families who were depending on their help.

What we don't know:

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.