Three people are dead—two of them children—and two others are recovering from severe burns after a fire tore through the Concord Crossing Apartments on Woodsong Way in Smyrna, Georgia, in the early morning hours of February 23. Stewart Tilghman Fox Bianchi & Cain, alongside co-counsel Brumer & Brumer, are representing the families of the three deceased and two injury victims to investigate the cause of the fire and secure justice for the plaintiffs.
Firefighters responding to the scene found heavy flames blowing from second-floor windows and extending upward to the third floor. Investigators believe the fire originated in a second-floor corner unit. Approximately 15 residents were rescued from porches and balconies, and six people were transported to the hospital. Resident Sabrina Santiago described what she witnessed: "The second story and the third were completely engulfed. Literally engulfed." Conditions were worsened by strong winds, which accelerated the spread of the blaze before crews could contain it.
Three people did not survive. Dozens of residents were displaced—many receiving assistance from the American Red Cross—and among those who survived, two suffered severe burn injuries. Burn injuries are among the most catastrophic and costly of any unintentional injury, often requiring extended hospitalization, repeated surgeries, and years of rehabilitation. The road ahead for our clients and their families will be long.
Who Bears Responsibility for the February Fire?
When fires like this occur in residential buildings, critical questions must be asked. What ignited the fire? Were the building's fire suppression and detection systems functional? Were residents given adequate means and warning to escape? Far from abstract, these questions are the basis of any serious investigation into a tragedy of this magnitude.
It is worth noting that a subsequent fire at Concord Crossing, which occurred months after the February blaze, prompted fire officials to confirm that some buildings in the complex lack sprinkler systems, a detail that will likely factor into our investigation of the February fire.
Michael Levine of Stewart Tilghman Fox Bianchi & Cain is handling the matter alongside Marc Brumer of Brumer & Brumer. "Our clients and their family have been through unimaginable pain and grief," Levine said. "Together with Brumer & Brumer, we are committed to doing everything possible to determine why this fire happened and why it was allowed to spread as it did, and hold those responsible accountable."
Our deepest condolences go to the families of everyone lost in this fire, and to the community at Concord Crossing that continues to grieve. We hope that all those still recovering find the care and support they need, and that this investigation brings those affected the answers they deserve.