Space Heater Suspected As Cause Of Fatal Apartment Fire In Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA -- Fire officials are investigating whether a space heater set off an apartment fire that took the life of a 64-year-old man, Patch has learned. For more police news and updates on this and other stories in the Cascade area, click here to get Patch's daily newsletter and free, real-time news alerts.

The blaze erupted early Wednesday at the Venetian Hills Apartments in the 1800 block of Campellton Road.

Residents awoke just after 4 a.m. to billowing clouds of smoke pouring from the two-story wood frame building. Some neighbors were seen jumping out of windows to escape the blaze, which quickly spread across several units.

The Red Cross said 31 people in 11 families were displaced by the blaze.

"Our volunteers are meeting one-on-one with those affected to help meet emergency needs for essentials such as shelter, food, clothing and replacement prescriptions," Red Cross spokeswoman Divina Mims Puckett told Patch. "Red Cross caseworkers will continue to work with residents this week to help them get back on their feet."

The lone fatality in the fire, a 64-year-old man, has yet to be identified by authorities.

"I saw flashing lights and then I went outside and there was a fire," apartment dweller Fredricka Hogan told WSB.

This is a developing story. Stay with Patch for the latest.

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