Reflecting on the history of local heroism, the Westwego Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 recently commemorated a significant event from 61 years prior. According to a social media post by the Westwego Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, on May 25, 1964, a catastrophic fire consumed a warehouse and wharf at the Sinclair Refining Dock—a location now housed by the National Gypsum / Gold Bond Plant & Dock. The detail of the incident paints a picture of a serene early Sunday morning shattered by flames and chaos, as the collision of a vehicle with a utility pole set the stage for an electrical failure that would ignite the fire.
With a startling onset, billowing black smoke and flames quickly engulfed the terminal warehouse after the electrical lines shorted out. The fire, fed by the resources at hand, raged uncontrolled throughout the night, challenging the Westwego Volunteer Fire Department, who, racing against time, worked alongside the Coast Guard in their daunting task. Amongst the ghostly remnants, a clipping from the New Orleans States Item Newspaper attached to the post, bears witness to the intensity of the inferno that the firefighters faced.
The post, published this year on May 25, not only marks the anniversary of this historic event but also serves as a reminder of the bravery exhibited by the Westwego Volunteer Fire Department. It took relentless effort that spanned from the break of dawn into the following morning to quell the devouring flames, showcasing the valiant spirit of the firefighters and the critical role these individuals play in safeguarding our communities.
