(CNN) Two massive fires in the Atlanta area sent flames and columns of smoke into the early morning sky Friday and moved firefighters to evacuate a few homes in one neighborhood.

In one fire, hundreds of wooden pallets burned early Friday in a business's yard in southeastern Atlanta, sending flames about 75 feet into the air, Atlanta fire spokesman Sgt. Cortez Stafford said.

The blaze was on the property of Pallet Depot, which sells the wooden platforms.

Hundreds of pallets burned at Pallet Depot in southeastern Atlanta, the city's fire department said.

Flames spread to vehicles and forklifts, causing some explosions, Stafford said.

Three nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution. No injuries were reported.

Read Moreand America's First Ladies.

Other enterprises
In 1977, de la Renta launched his fragrance, OSCAR, followed by an accessories line in 2001 and a homewares line in 2002. The new business venture included 100 home furnishings for Century Furniture featuring dining tables, upholstered chairs, and couches. In 2004, he added a less expensive line of clothing called O Oscar. De la Renta said he wanted to attract new customers whom he could not reach before.

In 2006, de la Renta designed Tortuga Bay, a boutique hotel at Puntacana Resort and Club. The hotel is part of the luxury hotel collection, The Leading Hotels of the World.

Awards, honors, and philanthropic endeavors

Design awards
In 1967 and 1968, de la Renta won the Coty Award (the U.S. fashion industry "Oscars") and in 1973 was inducted