UPDATED 10:22 a.m. Thursday:

VALDOSTA – An early Thursday morning fire at Azalea Towers apartments resulted in 60 tenants being displaced and one man being transported to the hospital, fire officials said. 

The Valdosta Fire Department responded to a structure fire at Azalea Towers, 2910 Tara Drive, at about 1 a.m. Thursday, June 27.

Valdosta Fire Chief Brian Boutwell said the 60 displaced tenants have been taken to Morningside Baptist Church for temporary shelter. It is not known when they can return home.

The American Red Cross of South Georgia is assisting with the evacuees.

The male tenant transported to South Georgia Medical Center for evaluation is doing “fine,” Boutwell said.

Fire officials saw flames and smoke coming out of a third-floor window upon arrival, according to fire officials. The fire was located in apartment 313.

The preliminary indication for the cause of the fire is smoking; however, Boutwell said, the exact cause is still being investigated.

The first units arrived within six minutes and crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire, according to a statement from the city. A total of 27 fire personnel were on scene.

Lowndes County Emergency Management Agency, Lowndes County Fire Rescue, South Georgia Medical Center Emergency Medical Services and Valdosta Police Department all assisted with evacuations, according to city officials. 

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A fire at Azalea Towers apartments resulted in 60 tenants being displaced and one man being transported to the hospital, confirmed Valdosta Fire Chief Brian Boutwell. 

Fire officials still investigating.