March 1, 2024 | From New Orleans Fire Department
UPDATE: TWO-ALARM HOUSE FIRE ON KERLEREC ST.
Wednesday nights two-alarm fire, in a vacant property at 1130 Kelerec St., has been determined to have been accidentally caused by vagrants squatting in the vacant home. New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) Fire Investigators were able to establish that two squatters, an adult male and adult female, had been living in the vacant property for approximately six months. When questioned, the couple stated that they had been using a grill as a heating source and accidentally knocked it over.
The cause of fires in vacant and abandoned properties in New Orleans are overwhelmingly traced back to the presence of vagrants and squatters. The NOFD would like to reiterate the importance of property owners properly securing and managing properties left vacant or under renovation. Unmanaged vacant properties pose a significant and unnecessary risk to neighboring properties, residents, and First Responders. Residents are urged to notify the New Orleans Police Department if they are aware of suspicious activity in or around vacant or abandoned properties in their area.
New Orleans, LA – On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at 9:44 p.m. the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) was dispatched to 1130 Kerlerec Street. Upon arrival, firefighters were met with a working fire that was consuming the first and second story of a wood framed abandoned dwelling. Fire crews quickly struck a second alarm to request additional staffing due to heavy flames that were threatening nearby residences to the rear and next to the burning structure. NOFD personnel did an extraordinary job containing and controlling this fire to just the primary structure considering the windy conditions, and the proximity of the other residences. There was significant damage to the primary fire building. No injuries were reported by fire personnel or civilian population. The incident is presently being investigated by NOFD fire investigators.
Fifteen (15) NOFD units staffed with thirty-eight (38) fire personnel were deployed to bring the incident under control.
911 Call Received: 9:44 pm
1st Alarm: 9:44 pm
2nd Alarm: 9:52
On Scene: 9:50 pm
Under Control: 10:40 pm
NOFD Personnel: 38
NOFD Units: 15
Cause: Under Investigation
Injuries: 0
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