Families Displaced by Marietta Apartment Fire

The Marietta Fire Department is currently investigating an apartment structure fire at the Ashley Mill Apartments located at 1250 Powders Springs Road.   

At around 7:45 a.m., fire apparatus from Marietta and Cobb responded to a report of fire and smoke showing from building 12 inside the apartment complex, Marietta Police Officer David Baldwin said.

Upon arrival fire units discovered a resident on the third floor that required assistance in escaping the fire.  The resident suffered minor burns and was transported to Kennestone Hospital for treatment. Two others residents suffered minor injuries but were treated and released at the scene. 

The affected building has 24 apartment units, 12 of which were heavily damaged or destroyed due to the fire, Baldwin said. Fire alarms activated and alerted occupants to the fire.  

According to the apartment management the affected building had a 90 percent occupancy, all of whom were displaced by the fire. The Red Cross arrived on scene and is working with the apartment management to arrange for alternate housing for the displaced families, Baldwin said. 

The affected building in the fire had suffered extensive damage in the past due to a previous fire, according to Baldwin. The previously damaged portion of the building was rebuilt to reflect current fire codes, which include the installation of a fire sprinkler system. 

Although the affected apartments in today’s fire did not have an installed fire sprinkler system, the reconstruction project of the affected units will include the installation of a fire sprinkler system, Baldwin said.

A total of 14 units from both Marietta and Cobb Fire Departments arrived on scene to battle to the blaze.

Marietta Fire Investigators determined the fire started accidentally on the bed of one of the affected units. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Assistant Chief Scott Tucker at 770-794-5463.