Firefighters from the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) responded to a three-alarm fire that broke out at the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Bourbon Street, early Sunday morning. The fire was first reported at approximately 11:02 a.m., starting in a second-floor storage room. NOFD units arrived on scene quickly to begin fire suppression and rescue operations.
The situation was escalated to a second alarm at 11:13 a.m. and then to a third alarm by 11:27 a.m., as firefighters worked to safely evacuate all occupants. During these efforts, NOFD personnel helped to assist an individual from the fourth floor who was using a wheelchair and safely brought out two more people from a second-floor balcony. NOFD crews were able to thoroughly check additional floors by using a master key, ensuring that no guests or visitors remained in harm's way.
According to the NOFD press release, the fire was placed under control by 11:44 a.m. A total of twenty-one NOFD units and fifty-two Fire Operations personnel were involved in the response. The release praised the quick action of the fire personnel and highlighted the cooperation of the hotel staff, which was key in the evacuation process. Remarkably, there were no casualties or injuries reported in the incident.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with no further details available at the moment. Operations at the Royal Sonesta Hotel have been significantly affected by the fire, and emergency services continue to ensure the site is safe for return. In total, firefighters managed successfully to contain the fire from spreading to adjacent properties, a testament to their training and the importance of quick response times in emergencies like this one.
