Several units in a DeKalb County apartment complex were destroyed by a large fire Thursday night, leaving two people injured and at least five families without their homes.
Fire officials responded to a call at the Spring Valley Apartments in the 2800 block of Misty Valley Drive around 6:45 p.m.
“Once firefighters arrived, we found heavy smoke and flame coming from the center core — or the hallway — within this apartment complex,” DeKalb County Fire Rescue Capt. Eric Jackson said.
Crews put out the blaze within an hour after dispatching about 45 firefighters to the scene and using aerial ladders. Jackson said a “standing fire wall” prevented the flames from spreading to other units. An investigator is working to determine the source and cause of the fire.
Two people were injured during the fire — one who suffered from smoke inhalation and another who hurt a foot when jumping out of a window. Both are stable and being treated, Jackson said.
Six apartment units were affected, three of which were heavily damaged by smoke and fire. Jackson said at least five families were displaced.
Zalissa Aspey and her 20-year-old son are one of them.
“I was inside with my son,” she said. “My son was asleep. And when they were banging on the doors telling us to get out — when I opened the door — there was just black smoke and fire.”
Aspey said her family will help house her while the apartment complex works to help recover her home.
“I worked so hard for what I had and it’s gone, but it’s replaceable,” she said. “I just pray to God that me and my son got out.”
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