MACON, Ga. — A few River Park Apartments residents returned to the complex to pick up the pieces after a fire damaged their home Thursday night.
According to the Macon-Bibb Fire Department, one person took themselves to the hospital after suffering from smoke inhalation. Emergency services did not have to transport anyone. The county's lead arson investigator, Captain Kyle Murray, said the fire started on one of the second floor balconies. He said it was contained to one unit.
The building's roof is now destroyed and pieces of it are scattered along the walkway.
Makalah Johnson said she was at home when the fire started. Her 2-year-old son was asleep and after hearing commotion outside of her home, she received a loud knock on the door from first responders.
"I grabbed my baby, I grabbed my keys, and I came out the door and when I turned around the whole top half of the apartment was in flames," Johnson said. "It was no saving it."
Murray said in the unit where the fire broke out, one resident was sleeping, when the another resident who lived in the same unit arrived home and discovered the flames.
According to the department, roughly eight units sustained damage from water pressure and smoke.
Part of Johnson's ceiling sits in the living room.
Chief Shane Edwards said a total of 16 units lost power and he wasn't sure if it had been restored.
The department wasn't able to provide the exact number of affected residents at this time.
Johnson said her boyfriend had to leave his work shift early to come check on their family. Friday, they came back to retrieve items left behind and pack necessities for her stay with family. She said most of her personal items were OK, but her son's were not.
"I still have stuff in bags and boxes so those aren't damaged," Johnson said. "But pretty much my son's stuff is pretty much damaged like his toys, his clothes, his shoes but I'm going to see what I can try to pick through to see if I get something."
Some residents told 13WMAZ they think the fire was caused by fireworks. Chief Edwards said they are not going to rule out any causes because the investigation is still active.
As for Johnson, she said this was not an ideal way to spend the holiday but she's in high spirits, focused on getting back on her feet soon. The Red Cross will be assisting with housing needs, while apartments are under repair.
"They gave me the information I needed to get myself together for the next couple days," Johnson said. "From there I'm gonna continue my life, go to work, continuing raising my baby and continue looking out for my family."