Fire near Forsyth Park; no injuries

Savannah firefighters "battled wind-whipped flames at a structure fire near Forsyth Park Thursday afternoon," a spokesperson for Savannah Fire and Emergency Services says.

Firefighters were dispatched to the 100 block of West Park Avenue just after 2 p.m. and encountered heavy smoke and flames when they arrived.

"The fire was located in the back of the three-story structure at 117 W. Park Ave. With the aid of gusting winds, the flames had engulfed the entire top floor by the time firefighters were able to attack the blaze," the spokesperson says. 

The structure, which houses four apartments, sustained extensive damage to the upper apartment on the back of the building. "The apartments on the front of the building did not sustain any fire damage but they did incur smoke and water damage. The two residences to the east of the building also sustained minor fire damage from windblown em bers," according to reports. .

Due to the wind and the proximity of neighboring structures, "on scene commanders called for a second alarm to bring additional personnel and apparatus resources to the scene to keep the blaze from extending to nearby structures," the spokesperso n says.

Eight residents were displaced from the apartments and American Red Cross volunteers responded to assist them. No injuries were reported and firefighters were able to rescue one dog from a downstairs apartment and return it to its owner.

Savannah Fire investigators also responded in an effort to determine the cause and point of origin of the fire.