Fire destroys apartment building in Canton

Firefighters battled a 3-alarm apartment fire in the city of Canton on Friday afteoon.

Tim Cavender, spokesman for Cherokee Fire and Emergency Services, says the fire broke out in a third-story unit shortly before 2 p.m. Friday in Building 3 of the Canterbury Ridge Apartments located at 101 Canterbury Ridge Parkway off of Marietta Highway near Ridge Road.

The fire quickly drew multiple alarms. Firefighters from five different stations from Canton, Woodstock, and Cherokee County responded quickly and were able to get evacuate all the residents safely.

All the ladder trucks in Canton and Cherokee County responded to assist in the fire. They were able to make entry into the upper level to fight the fire.

Firefighter Michael Murphy, 25, went into the buing building first. He was followed by his captain, 58-year-old Fred Dobson, who said it was all part of day's work.

"It's just the job. You know, it's an adrenaline rush. I'm not going to tell you a lie, you have to like what we do or you wouldn't do it," said Dobson.

Cavender said heat was a big factor fighting the fire and that they were constantly rotating crews out to rest.

The fire caused extensive damage to the top floor of the building, which houses 28 units. Officials said that it the building appeared to be a total loss.

Marlene Savage was among the many whose unit was destroyed.

The balcony is gone, I can see there's nothing left in there. And so, I'm not even sure I want to see the inside," said Savage.

Miguel Chavez said that his sister's top-level apartment was destroyed, but he was worried about her dog.

There were no serious injuries reported. Four residents received treatment for smoke inhalation and respiratory problems.

An apartment official said that all residents of the 28 units affected would be able to be relocated in a different building.