Latest news with #AlpharettaDepartmentofPublicSafety
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
‘Oh, it was bad': Lightning strike sets Alpharetta apartment building on fire, forces residents out
Two dozen residents of an Alpharetta apartment complex spent hours Friday loading up their belongings after lighting struck their building, sparking a fire. 'Oh, it was bad,' said Samantha Marvell, who lives at the Woodhaven at Park Bridge off Old Milton Parkway. She was working on her computer in Building 1000 when the sky darkened and thunder rumbled Tuesday afternoon. Then came a mighty crash. 'Just complete loud thunder and instant flash and then it was just raining,' she said. 'I don't like thunder, so hearing that loud crash, it made me very nervous. You could feel it, so I was shaking a bit.' Lightning had struck the roof of the apartment just above hers. A fire broke out, causing serious damage in the building's attic, but Alpharetta firefighters managed to keep the flames from spreading. Everybody in the 28 apartments got out safely, with no injuries. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] 'It was huge, huge smoke,' Marvell said. Ian Cassuto, a fire spokesperson for the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety, said two apartments had moderate fire damage. All the others sustained smoke and water damage. Neighbors told Channel 2 Action News reporter Bryan Mims that repair work on the building is set to begin Monday, and everyone had to get their belongings out by this weekend. On Friday, a fence encircled the building and property restoration workers were on site. The property manager of Woodhaven at Park Bridge told Mims he couldn't comment about the management's response to the fire or discuss repairs. Residents said the management placed many of them in other units in the complex. Samantha's father, Trevor Marvell, lives with her in the apartment and described the lightning strike as 'just a big bang.' He said could salvage most of his belongings, but his furniture is likely ruined from the water damage. Mark Kersul just returned home Tuesday when he saw the billowing smoke and fire trucks. He and a friend, Richard Rotondo, worked together Friday to load up his possessions, which he'll put in a garage on the property. He said he spoke with the woman who lives in the apartment where the lightning struck. 'The lady said she felt it in her heart, her chest, when it hit,' he told Mims. Residents said the apartment management and the American Red Cross have been very responsive in wake of the fire. Samantha Marvell said her nerves were rattled and apartment was damaged, but she's grateful nobody was hurt. 'I mean, we just get everything done and keep on going,' she said. TRENDING STORIES: Man found guilty of killing Gwinnett County father at baby shower learns his fate Manhunt underway after woman, child shot, killed at DeKalb apartment complex Porch pirate 'syndicate': 10 charged with stealing $6M in electronics [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Yahoo
Alpharetta police invites the public to pay respects to longtime detective who died of cancer
The Alpharetta community will say goodbye on Tuesday to a longtime detective who died last week. Det. Brian Smith died Feb. 26 surrounded by family after fighting pancreatic cancer for just over a week, according to the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety. 'Brian's legacy of kindness, humor, and love remains a guiding light for those who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed and always remembered,' his obituary read. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On Tuesday, the department is asking the public to line up along the streets and sidewalks for a procession for Smith. It will begin around 10:05 a.m. on Rucker Road and Old Milton Parkway. From there, it will head toward Westside Pkwy and turn north and continue toward Cumming Street. The procession will end at Alpharetta United Methodist Church, where a celebration of life service is scheduled for 11 a.m. The family asks in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Alpharetta Public Safety Foundation and one of their causes. TRENDING STORIES: Be weather aware: Risk for strong to severe storms tonight, early Wednesday Woman says she was kicked off health insurance over 'systematic failure' from federal agencies 3 killed by drunk driver in a Gwinnett neighborhood, police say [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Yahoo
Alpharetta police mourn loss of detective after brief battle with cancer
An Alpharetta police detective died after a battle with cancer and the department is now mourning his loss. Det. Brian Smith died Wednesday surrounded by family after fighting pancreatic cancer for just over a week, according to the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety. While information for memorial services is not yet ready, the department is asking for thoughts and prayers to Smith's family and the department. 'We love you, Brian. Rest easy — we've got the watch from here,' the department said in a statement. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: CeeLo Green says Spelman professor who died at Lake Oconee was his childhood friend Georgia U.S. Senator wants to know how VA layoffs are impacting care, services for veterans Deputies warn about skimmers being used to hack into bank accounts at north GA businesses [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
