1 injured in large Forest Park fire, firefighters say

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - At least one person was injured after a fire broke out in Forest Park Tuesday morning, according to Forest Park Fire & Emergency Services.

It happened at the La Fortuna warehouse on Lake Mirror Place, which is only about a mile from the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

According to the company website, La Fortuna sells imported goods from Mexico, mostly kitchen supplies like pots and pans.

Firefighters confirm one person was initially trapped and later transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation. They say no one else was injured, including firefighters, when the roof and an exterior wall collapsed.

La Fortuna employees told Atlanta News First off camera that co-workers used a van to ram down a warehouse door to help rescue the trapped employee.

“By the time everyone was screaming call 911, I just remember fire everywhere,” Francisco Martinez said.

Martinez said it was the valiant efforts of two of his co-workers that saved the man’s life. He said the barrier they had to get through, was an electric door that had stopped working.

”They rammed that door in without thinking. They went in with all that smoke. They did what they needed to do honestly,” said Martinez.

Forest Park officials on scene said the business provides supplies to restaurants. They have multiple locations across the country.

Bystanders watched in shock. Izarie Harris lives nearby and is hoping one thing for the business. ”That they get to remodel their business, and start all over,” she said.

”It’s a reminder to not take anything for granted. It was a very emotional moment and luckily everyone is okay,” said Martinez.

The manager on duty told Atlanta News First, the owner is getting in touch with employees to figure out how they can help financially while they are out of work.

The fire’s cause is currently unknown.

Atlanta News First has sent a news crew to the scene and is working to learn more.