May 9, 2002

PRESS RELEASE
To: Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer
Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Firefighters Battle Overnight Arson Blaze

Shreveport firefighters battled an overnight house fire at 6004 Willard for more than 25 minute this morning before listing it as under control.

Fire communications officers at 911 received the first call reporting the fire at 4:56 a.m. When crews from the nearby St. Vincent station arrived on the scene, the single story wood frame residence was fully involved in flames. Thick dark smoke covered the neighborhood streets as more than a dozen firefighters attacked the fire.

Officials listed the fire as extinguished at 5:20 a.m. The home was vacant without utilities and undergoing some renovation work at the time of the fire. Fire investigators said the fire started in the structure’s attic and was the work of an arsonist. The fire left the home destroyed and a total loss. No injuries were reported. ###