The Winder Fire Department responded to 277 Apperson Drive on a Feb. 2 reported structural fire with Winder’s Engine 1, Engine 2, Ladder 1 and Rescue 1, along with Barrow County Emergency Services Med 6, responding.

On the scene, the first arriving unit established command and advised a working fire was in progress. The two-story, eight-unit apartment complex had heavy flames and smoke visible on the left side of the first and second floor.

With a positive water supply established, firefighters began attacking the flames to get the fire under control, said Winder Fire Chief Ray Mattison.

With a primary and secondary search initiated, the "All Clear" was sounded, indicating the building was unoccupied. There were no injuries reported on the scene.

When the main body of fire was extinguished, salvage and overhaul got under way with hot spots located and extinguished.

Natural gas, water and electrical services were disconnected.

Fire crews remained on the scene all night to assure no rekindle, said Chief Mattison.

Three of the eight apartments were vacant. The five which were occupied had a total of six residents, and the American Red Cross Disaster Assistance Team was dispatched to the scene to assist displaced residents.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation wit the primary investigation being ruled "human error."