KENNESAW, Ga. — Over a dozen people were forced from their homes after a fire ripped through an apartment complex in Kennesaw.
Cobb County fire crews said the fire began early Friday night on Barrett Lakes Boulevard.
The 20-unit building was heavily damaged in the fire. Eight of the units had fire damage and the other 12 had smoke and water damage.
Eleven families lost their homes to the fire.
One resident said the fire spread so quickly that he wasn’t able to put his shoes on before getting his family and the family pet out safely.
"We were trying to get them out. And everyone running around knocking on doors making sure all apartments cleared out as quick as we could. Then people were moving their vehicles so at the moment the shoes weren't the most important thing,” said resident Andy Shields.
There were no reports of injuries.
"It was just all on fire, spreading to both sides, cause it started from the middle,” said witness Kalisia Winkey.
The American Red Cross says it is assisting 18 adults and five children with food, clothing and hotel lodging.
Viewer cell phone video showed flames shooting 15 to 20 feet in the air above the apartments.
Fire investigators said they believe the fire began in an upstairs apartment and spread quickly due to the strong winds.
WSBTV
