On Tuesday, the New Orleans Fire Department responded to a residential fire reported at 9:38 p.m. Crews were dispatched one minute later and arrived at 9:44 p.m. to find a one-story, wood-frame vacant home fully engulfed in flames, with the fire spreading to nearby structures, according to the City of New Orleans.
The first arriving officer requested a second alarm to help protect surrounding homes. The vacant house was completely destroyed, and the fire caused damage to two occupied homes and another vacant building. Neighbors said about seven unhoused individuals had been staying in the vacant home and told firefighters they had started a small fire to stay warm, which grew out of control, as reported by the City of New Orleans.
The fire was brought under control around 10:22 p.m. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported, and the cause and extent of the damage are still under investigation. A total of 16 NOFD units and 43 firefighters responded, controlling the fire in about 44 minutes, as per the City of New Orleans.
