A woman faces a first-degree arson charge after allegedly setting a fire that damaged five apartments in southeast Atlanta on Thursday morning.
Octavia Nicole Carter, 27, of Atlanta, is accused of starting a fire at the Forest Cove Apartments off New Town Circle around 10:15 a.m., displacing numerous people, Atlanta Fire Rescue said.
The department posted a video to Twitter of flames and smoke billowing out of a window as firefighters arrived. The fire was extinguished without any injuries.
Investigators quickly determined that the fire was set intentionally, and Carter was arrested shortly after the fire was put out.
Details on how she allegedly set the fire and what her motive was have not been released. Carter remains in the Fulton County Jail without bond, according to jail records.
Channel 2 Action News reported seven families were displaced, but four of them should be able to move back in after water and electricity services are restored.
“Along with emotional support, the Red Cross provided emergency assistance to help with essentials such as lodging, food, and clothing for 25 people,” the American Red Cross of Georgia said in a statement. “They also helped one resident with health services. Caseworkers will continue to work with the families in the week ahead to help them get back on their feet and will share information on additional recovery resources available to them in the community.”
