Two Alarm Fire Destroys Building near Downtown
Shreveport Firefighters were called to a commercial building fire in the 1000 block of Texas Avenue near downtown just after 1am Sunday morning.
Members of the first unit described seeing large amounts smoke covering Texas Avenue as they turned from Common Street. Subsequent responding units also noticed black smoke billowing into the night sky from Interstate 49 and Interstate 20. Once the Battalion Chief arrived a second alarm was called which is a request for additional units, manpower, and resources. Crews had to overcome a collapsed roof, adjoining structures, heavy fire load, and even severe weather while maintaining safety. After fighting the inferno from multiple locations and using various tactics, the fire was placed under control. It took 21-fire units, approx. 60-firefighters, 53 minutes to extinguish the blaze. The building which was being used as storage has been deemed a total loss. The two adjoining structures received minor smoke and water damage, despite the intensity of the fire.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, but under investigation. After firefighters were rotated through fire rehab no injuries or illnesses were reported.