May 11, 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 Damages Shreveport Business

A Shreveport business suffered moderate damage today from a late afternoon fire that appears to have been started by an unattended candle. Firefighters were called to Evangeline Square, 6030 Line Avenue, at 3:24 p.m. for the report of a fire at Trendz Salon. Employees in the main salon, suite 340, noticed smoke coming from adjacent and adjoining suite 330 - also part of the salon, and called 911.

Before fire crews arrived, employees found the fire in a back room where facial treatments were performed. Jolene Woods, 27, a cosmetologist at the business said that employees used a fire extinguisher in an attempted to douse the fire but were unsuccessful. When firefighters arrived,

smoke could be seen coming from the eves of the roof line. Firefighters made entry through the main salon, where some employees still lingered, and were able to reach and extinguish the fire before significant damage could be done. Officials listed the fire under control at 3:34 p.m. Large exhaust fans were brought in an attempt to rid the establishment of the remaining smoke.

A candle left burning in the room appears to have caught a poster that was on the same table on fire. The fire then spread up the wall and through the false ceiling of the building. The corner section of the room where the table and candle were located sustained heavy damage, as well as the ceiling and an outside glass window. Fire officials caution that the situation could have been much worse if the fire had not been noticed earlier. We strongly caution, particularly business, about leaving an open flame, whether it is a heater, candle or stove top, unattended, even if only for a moment. If this fire had gone five more minutes before being detected, it would have gotten firmly into the attic, which could have resulted in severe consequences to the businesses and people located there.

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