2 Charged In 3-Alarm Blaze That Killed Cat, Injured 17

ATLANTA — A man and woman are facing charges after Atlanta Police said they ignited fireworks from the roof an apartment building Friday night, causing a three-alarm fire that killed a cat and injured 17 people, authorities said.

Police and crews with Atlanta Fire Rescue responded around 10:30 p.m. to the 1100 block of Lavista Road, where a four-story apartment building had to be evacuated.

When firefighters arrived, they saw heavy fire and smoke coming from the building's roof and began a search and rescue operation, fire officials said.

At least 80 firefighters worked the fire, fire officials said, including those with the Sandy Springs Fire Department.

A cat died in the fire while 17 people were treated for smoke inhalation and various minor injuries that were non-threatening, fire officials said. Twenty-eight residents were displaced and were helped by the American Red Cross, fire officials said.

Police said Robert Stokes, 42, and Charnelle Gunn, 25, were charged on suspicion of first-degree criminal damage to property and reckless conduct. They were taken to the Fulton County Jail.