January 25, 2001

PRESS RELEASE

To: Newsroom

For Immediate Release

Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer

Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Fire Destroys Vacant Houses

Fire department officials had to call extra companies and manpower to fight an early morning fire that caused damage to three vacant houses near downtown Shreveport. Communication’s officers at 911 received a call at 4:30 a.m. from a Shreveport Police officer who was on routine patrol in the area reporting the fire at 1250 Fannin Street. By the time fire crews from the downtown Central and Milam Street stations arrived on the scene two of the homes were totally involved in flames.

Because multiple structures were involved, District Chief Jim Draughon called for an extra engine and rescue company to assist in the fire attack. Firefighters were initially concerned that someone might have been inside but it was not the case as the homes were all vacant. Two homes that were facing Fannin Street were completely destroyed by the roaring blaze and a third structure, located directly behind the homes, suffered minor roof damage. The fire was brought under control at 5:06 a.m.

Firefighters said they had some difficulty in reaching across to the other homes involved in the fire due to a large oak tree between the houses. The tree, that had apparently fallen during one of the recent storms, "was sprawled across the back alley making it difficult to get equipment over," says Captain Kerry Foster. The cause of the fire is under investigation. No firefighters or civilians were reported injured.

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