NOFD Press Releases

On Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 05:06 a.m., the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) responded to a 911 call for the Wyndman Vacation Resort Hotel located at 209 Magazine Street. When firefighters arrived on the scene they found a passenger van with a ruptured gas tank parked on the first floor breezeway of the hotel.

The New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) will be conducting a Shipboard Firefighting training exercise Wednesday, November 4, 2009. The exercise, which will begin at approximately 8:00 a.m., will simulate a large-scale fire incident on board the MARAD Vessel Cape Knox, currently docked at the Poland Ave.

Saturday, October 31, 2009 at 3:16 a.m. the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) responded to a 911 call reporting a fire at 926 Toulouse St., in the French Quarter. Upon arrival NOFD personnel found a two-story dwelling with smoke exiting the attic.

New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) Superintendent Charles Parent felt the recent trip to Cuba was extremely educational and was very impressed with the Cuban first responders’ preparedness for emergency disasters. He noted that, a good dialog with Cuban officials regarding hurricane preparedness and response was established. He believes that the New Orleans delegation was able to provide the Cuban officials with lessons learned from our experiences during Hurricane Katrina.

The New Orleans Fire Department was dispatched to a one alarm fire at McDonogh 35 College Preparatory High School 1331 Kerlerec Street. Once on the scene they found an extinguished fire that originated in and was contained to a trash receptacle in the first floor boys’ bathroom. The fire was extinguished by a student using a fire extinguisher. This fire is under investigation.

Monday, October 12, 2009, at 2:28 pm. the New Orleans Fire Department responded to a person trapped in a Concrete mixer at a construction site at S. Dorgenois and Erato St. When Firefighters arrived they found a 19 year old male conscious and alert with his right arm entangled in a portable concrete mixer.

New Orleans, LA. – New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD), Lowe’s Home Improvement and The Home Safety Council are kicking off Fire Safety Month with Safety Saturday – a special day-long safety celebration to teach New Orleans area families how to prevent fires and other common accidents in the home:

New Orleans, LA. – At 06:39 AM Tuesday, August 25, 2009, a one-alarm fire occurred at 3300 Conti Street.Fire Investigators determined that a liquid accelerant was used to intentionally set the fire.

Graduation ceremony of Fire Recruit Class R-02-09 will be held on Friday August 21, 2009 at 10:00. The Ceremony will be held at the Temple Sinai, 6227 Saint Charles Avenue.

Two arson suspects have been arrested after the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) fire investigators and the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) working jointly determined that a one alarm fire started in the late morning on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 was intentionally set. Emanuel E. Brumfield and Frenchel Leefort are owners of the property and they both have been arrested and charged with arson.

New Orleans, Louisiana - The New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) will hold a recruit graduation:

Wednesday, August 12, 2009 the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) responded to 911 a call reporting a structural collapse with a person trapped inside in the 1900 block of Duels St. Upon arrival NOFD personnel found a single-story, single occupancy, wood-framed shotgun home completely collapsed with only the roof remaining intact.

On Wednesday, July 29, 2009 the New Orleans Fire Department received a 911 call of persons trapped in a fire. When the first up fire companies arrived on the scene, they found a male trapped on a 2nd floor balcony with fire coming out of all the doors and windows behind him. Firefighters used a ground to rescue him.

Saturday, July 11, 2009, at approximately 5:21, companies responded to an alarm at 100 Iberville Street, Westin Hotel, Canal Place. A guest set fire to a sofa in the lobby area then traveled to the 11th floor via elevator. New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) Fire Investigators, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) arrested a suspect; Kelly Messenger, 33 of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and school teacher at Baton Rouge High School. The crime was captured by video surveillance and the fire was extinguished by hotel security staff. Superintendent Charles Parent would like to thank all agencies for their professionalism and diligence.

Face shields and gloves are part of the protective gear firefighters need when responding to emergencies. Now, thanks to a $5,790 grant, the New Orleans Fire Department has been able to purchase new face shields, gloves and turnout gear suspenders.

On Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 10:43 p.m., the New Orleans Fire Department responded to a 911 call for a family dwelling fire located at 607 Slidell Street near the corner of Verret Street. When firefighters arrived on the scene, two unoccupied buildings were involved in fire.

On Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 10:43 p.m., the New Orleans Fire Department responded to a 911 call for a family dwelling fire located at 607 Slidell Street near the corner of Verret Street. When firefighters arrived on the scene, two unoccupied buildings were involved in fire.

Fireworks are illegal in Orleans Parish. Fireworks can result in severe burns, permanent scarring, lifelong disfigurement or even death. The thousands of serious injuries each year typically harm the eyes, head, or hands and are mostly reported in states, such as Louisiana.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 05:54 a.m., the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) responded to a two alarm fire at a wrecking yard in New Orleans East. Firefighters were dispatched on an investigation of smoke in the area. Approximately one hundred –fifty vehicles were on fire. Most of the vehicles were stacked and crushed which made it very difficult to flow water on the fire. A hydrant was broken so firefighters used three (3) water tenders to assist with the water supply. Firefighters had to deal with high temperatures from their fire gear even during the early morning hours before fighting these vehicular fires. There were no reports of injuries.

Fireworks are illegal in Orleans Parish. Fireworks can result in severe burns, permanent scarring, lifelong disfigurement or even death.  The thousands of serious injuries each year typically harm the eyes, head, or hands and are mostly reported in states, such as Louisiana.

Thursday, June 25, 2009 the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) responded to a three alarm fire with possible persons trapped that destroyed a two story vacant dwelling. No injuries were reported and vagrants are suspected to have set the fire.

On Wednesday, June 24, 2009 the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) responded to a three alarm fire that destroyed a one story vacant dwelling under renovation. The preliminary investigation has determined there was plumbing work being performed prior to the fire.

Monday, June 22, 2009 at 7:05 p.m. the New Orleans Fire Department responded to a 911 call of a building on fire at 2727 South Broad Street (Apex Sales Company Inc.) The first arriving engine company found fire at the rear of this 2 story wood and brick frame unoccupied, vacant & gutted building which had no utility services.

Friday, June 19, 2009 at 4:19 a.m. the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) responded to 911 call reporting a fire in the 2300 block of Desire St. The first engine company arrived on the scene at 4:22 a.m. to find both the original fire building, at 2320 Desire St., and an adjacent structure at 2314-16 Desire St. completely engulfed in flames.

Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 10:47 a.m. the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) responded to a 911 call reporting a white powder being found on an envelope in the mail room of the federal building at 600 S. Maestri Pl. in the CBD.

The New Orleans Fire Department and The New Orleans Firefighter’s Foundation received a donation of $43,500 from The New Orleans Police and Firefighters Disaster Relief Fund which was formed in late 2005 to raise money for the New Orleans Police and Firefighters that were affected by Hurricane Katrina. Local investment banker Mike Hammer, Wal-Mart, Whitney National Bank and Pontchartrain Capital came together to set-up the non-profit to assist the brave men and women of the New Orleans Police and Fire Departments.

As the 2009 hurricane season approaches, New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) is checking every avenue to make sure they are prepared for whatever storms possibly threatened the New Orleans area and would also like to remind the citizens of some safety information to ensure they are likewise prepared.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 7:19 a.m. the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) responded to a 911 call reporting a fire at 7700 Haney Dr in eastern New Orleans. Six units carrying twenty-five firefighters fought the one-alarm blaze at a single story, two-unit dwelling. An elderly male was rescued from the fire suffering from minor burns to his head and arms and smoke inhalation. He was given oxygen on the scene by NOFD personnel and transported to an area hospita

On Saturday, May 16, 2009 the New Orleans Fire Department received a call at 11:25 p.m. to 600 Bourbon Street, Tropical Isle Bar. The first companies arrived on the scene to find smoke coming from the 2nd floor and the incident commander immediately struck multiple alarms to keep this blaze under control. The attic and 2nd floor received heavy fire damage and the 1st floor had heavy water damage.

Friday, May 15, 2009 the New Orleans Fire Department responded to a fire on the Mandeville Street Wharf. The 911 call came in at 05:34, the first unit arrived on the scene at 05:39 to find portions under the wharf engulfed in flames and releasing large volumes of smoke. Assistance was requested immediately.

Sewage and Water Board reports a 50 inch water main break at Almonaster Ave and France Road, there is low water pressure in New Orleans East and the Lower 9th Ward. New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) is monitoring the water pressure and has placed additional man power on standby, water tenders in service an extra fire apparatus in the lower 9th ward. According to Sewage and Water Board the repairs to the 50 inch water main will be completed Monday.

New Orleans, LA. Today the New Orleans Fire Department held a recruit class graduation ceremony.

The New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) will hold a recruit graduation:

On Tuesday, April 28, 2009 the New Orleans Fire Department received a call of a fire at 2901 S Carrollton Avenue at Notre Dame Seminary; Fire units were dispatched at 11:00 a.m., within two minutes firefighters arrived to Notre Dame Seminary to find smoke and fire coming out a second floor window. Firefighters were able to attack the fire quickly and confine the fire to a guest room. A two-alarm was called as a precaution because the building is classified as a high-rise. The building was evacuated and no injuries have been reported.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Thursday, April 9, 2009 Governor Bobby Jindal announced a total of $18.8 million in Homeland Security Grant Funding for a statewide Urban Search and Rescue System, Fusion Center & Criminal Database Technology and Homeland Security funding for local law enforcement and parish governments.

Saturday, April 4, 2009 8:00am – 1:00pm at Municipal Training Academy, 13400 Old Gentilly Road and Hanson’s Concrete Yard, 13201 Old Gentilly Road, the New Orleans Fire Department Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) is conducting a joint training session as part of Operation Lilypad Search and Rescue Exercise.

Today at 1:34 pm a truck was over turned on Interstate- 10 eastbound at the base of the twin span by high winds. The 18 wheelers cargo container was empty and a small amount of diesel fuel was spilled from the fuel tank. Interstate-10 was closed for approximately 60 minutes, no injuries were reported. The 18 wheeler was up righted, fuel cleaned up and the interstate re-opened. The incident was handled by unified command from New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD), New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) and Department Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD).

The New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) is made up of people who have shown true dedication to community service since Hurricane Katrina put them to the test. After the storm passed, many firefighters lived in trailers waiting until their families could return from other states. Their cell phones were their only means of communication, and were not always dependable. Despite all the stressful transitions they endured, NOFD members kept their morale up.

At 05:30 a.m. the New Orleans Fire Department received a 911 call for a working fire at 7611 Maple Street. The first-up fire companies found a two story wood frame commercial complex containing ten businesses heavily involved in fire at the rear of the building. The rear of the office complex collapsed plus, three homes, 812, 818 and 820 Hillary Street were exposed to the flames and sustained damage.

On Friday, March 6, 2009, the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) responded to a one alarm fire that heavily damaged a one story unoccupied dwelling under renovation. No injuries were reported and the fire is under investigation.

The New Orleans Fire Department responded to a fire at 3340-42 Magnolia Street. The first fire company to arrive found a two story wood frame duplex involved with fire to the rear of the house. Firefighters said the flames were mostly contained to the attic and they were able to keep the fire from spreading throughout house. The home had utilities but was unoccupied. The cause has not been determined and a fire investigator is on the scene.

New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) Fire Investigators arrested a student for aggravated arson. This arrest was in connection to a one alarm fire Monday, February 2, 2009 at Fannie C Williams Elementary School. NOFD personnel were dispatched at 2:58 p.m. to Fannie C. Williams Elementary 11755 Dwyer Rd. Once on the scene they found an extinguished fire that originated and was contained in the boy’s bathroom. The fire was extinguished by security staff.

New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) Fire Investigators arrested a student for aggravated arson. This arrest was in connection to a one alarm fire Monday, February 2, 2009 at Fannie C Williams Elementary School. NOFD personnel were dispatched at 2:58 p.m. to Fannie C. Williams Elementary 11755 Dwyer Rd. Once on the scene they found an extinguished fire that originated and was contained in the boy’s bathroom. The fire was extinguished by security staff.

Thursday, January 29, 2009 at 4:29 a.m. the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) responded to a call reporting a fire in a vacant commercial structure in the 1500 block of Canal St., formerly Carpet World. NOFD personnel arrived on the scene at 4:34 a.m. and subsequent alarms were struck immediately. Twenty-nine units carrying approximately eighty-two NOFD personnel were used to fight this four-alarm fire. All vehicular traffic on Canal St. has been shut down, from Basin St. to Claiborne Ave. and there will be no pedestrian traffic allowed within a one block radius of the incident until further notice. There are no injuries reported and no other structures were threatened by this fire. NOFD personnel are still on the scene and a cause and origin of this fire has yet to be determined.

Fire Safety Tips

SMOKE DETECTORS

• 65% of home fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke detectors or smoke detectors that don’t work.
• Smoke detectors are an important part of a home fire escape plan.
• Where there is a fire, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke detectors to give you time to get out.
• Install smoke detectors near bedrooms and on every floor.
• DO NOT install smoke detectors in the kitchen or bathroom.
• Test the batteries monthly and change batteries twice a year.
• Keep smoke detectors away from air vents.
• Place smoke detectors at least 4 to 6 inches away from walls and corners.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009 the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) responded to a call reporting a man trapped in the hull of a ship at the Alabo St. Wharf. A crew member working aboard the Chinese freighter Sheng Qiuang slipped while walking on metal piping approximately 30ft. below the deck of the ship and fell, approximately, another 30ft and became wedged between the walls of the ship and its cargo. According to Chief Chris Mickal, the incident commander on the scene, NOFD rescue teams did a “confined space rescue” using a system of pulleys to extricate the injured crew member. Although there was a large laceration on the man’s head the extent of his injuries are unknown at this time. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) was called to the scene and transported the injured man to an area hospital.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at 1:50 p.m. the New Orleans Fire Department, (NOFD), responded to a 911 call reporting heavy smoke coming from an apartment at 329 Basin St. Upon arrival, NOFD personnel found an unresponsive 53yr old female in the residence that was filled with heavy smoke caused by food left on the stove. Emergency Medical Services personnel pronounced the victim dead on the scene. The cause of death has not yet been determined. The burning food was removed from the stove and no other fire suppression activities were necessary.

On Sunday, January 25, 2009, at 8:12 a.m. the New Orleans Fire Department responded to a 911 call to 2505 Palmer Street. Companies arrived within 4 minutes to find a two story wood frame dwelling fully involved in fire. A resident was awakened by the loud noise of the burning structure and rushed to alert the other resident. The two escaped by jumping from a second story window and was transported to a local hospital by EMS for minor burns and injuries sustained escaping the fire.

On Monday, January 12, 2009 at 11:35 am the New Orleans Fire Department responded to a call from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals about a suspicious package with a strange odor. When firefighters arrived on the scene they found a female employee at the loading dock stating she opened a box containing 6 large envelopes.

Friday, January 02, 2009 the United States Coast Guard (USCG) assisted the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) by doing aerial evaluation of the area affected by the December 30th marsh fire in New Orleans East. During aerial reconnaissance, the USCG used thermal imaging equipment to determine that the marsh fire bordered by Paris Rd. and the Intercoastal Waterway was out.