8 families displaced after suspected arson at south Atlanta apartment complex

Sixteen people were displaced Thursday afternoon after flames broke out on a second-story deck at a south Atlanta apartment complex in what authorities are investigating as suspected arson.

When the fire started around 1:30 p.m. at the Pavilion Place Apartments in the 500 block of Cleveland Avenue, it was isolated to the back deck, Atlanta Fire Rescue spokeswoman Alyssa Richardson said. However, it eventually spread to the entire second floor and into the attic.

Richardson confirmed there was no one inside the building by the time firefighters arrived, and no one was reported injured. The fire was completely out just over two hours later.

The fire mostly damaged second-story units at the Pavilion Place Apartments.

A Red Cross representative went to the scene to assist residents and said eight families asked for the organization’s help after being displaced.

“Along with emotional support, volunteers provided assistance for essentials such as temporary lodging, food, clothing and personal care items. Caseworkers will follow up with the families in the days ahead to offer guidance and resources for their recovery,” regional spokeswoman Sherry Nicholson said.