GA Authorities Arrest Two Accused Of Lighting Fireworks On Rooftop That May Have Started Massive Fire at Apartment Complex

A massive fire destroyed an Atlanta, Georgia apartment complex and now authorities say it may have been the result of two people lighting fireworks on a rooftop.

Police detained Robert Stokes, 43, and Charnelle Gunn, 35, and later charged them with criminal damage to property and reckless conduct, WSBTV reported.

Firefighters were called out to the Reserve at Lavista Walk apartments around 10:36 pm Friday. When crews arrived they saw heavy smoke coming from the property.

More than 80 firefighters worked throughout the night and into Saturday to distinguish the fire.

Hundreds of people were evacuated from the complex and officials say 28 are now displaced. The American Red Cross has stepped in to assist.

Seventeen people were treated for smoke inhalation and other minor injuries, and authorities say one cat died in the fire.

The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.