April 3, 2001

PRESS RELEASE

To: Newsroom

For Immediate Release

Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer

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

Allendale Fire Believed to be Arson

A early morning fire in downtown Shreveport’s Allendale neighborhood kept firefighters busy for almost an hour before being brought under control just before dawn. Firefighters were called to 1421 Buena Vista Street at 4:45 a.m. for the report of a vacant house fire. When they arrived, the two-story structure was heavily involved in flames. The structure’s windows were boarded and no utilities were being provided, giving the home a vacant appearance. However, neighbors reported that someone stayed in an upstairs room of the home.

Firefighters initiated a combination fire and rescue tactic on the home by extinguishing the fire on the first floor, while sending a rescue team into the upstairs room to search for a possible victim. Once upstairs, fire crews reported not finding anyone. A complete search of the structure produced similar results - no occupant found. The fire was officially extinguished at 5:40 a.m., 55 minutes after it was called into 911 Communications Officers.

Fire damage was listed as heavy. Investigators have not made an official determination as to the cause of the fire, but did say it appears to be incendiary in nature and possibly arson.

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