Alexandria Fire Department Press Release (11/30/23 2:27 PM)

The Alexandria Fire Department responded to three building fires within the last twenty-four hours.

 

On November 29, 2023, at 11:03 AM, the Alexandria Fire Department was dispatched to the La Quinta Inn and Suites on West Calhoun Drive in reference to a hotel room on fire. The fire was brought under control by the building’s fire protection system. The first arriving firefighters verified the fire was contained while other firefighters assisted the occupants in evacuation. Once the situation was determined to be safe, the scene was released, and the investigation revealed an electrical issue with the room’s air conditioning unit.    

 

On November 29, 2023, at 1:46 PM, the Alexandria Fire Department was dispatched to the Guest House Inn and Suites on North MacArthur Drive in reference to a structure fire. The first unit arrived within three minutes. After the initial size-up, the Assistant Chief called three additional alarms. Alexandria Fire Department had six engine companies, three aerial companies, two district chief units, and a fire investigating unit on scene. Rapides Parish Fire District No: 2 was also dispatched by Rapides Parish Communication Center to provide additional support.  

 

The fire was brought under control after an hour and fifteen minutes. The Alexandria Police Department utilized a thermal imaging drone to assist in suppression efforts due to the low visibility from the dense smoke. One firefighter was transported to a local hospital for an injury that occurred while fighting the fire. The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office assisted in the investigation. The cause of the fire was determined to have been human intervention.  

 

On November 30, 2023, at 6:18 AM, the Alexandria Fire Department was dispatched to Chester Street in reference to a residential fire. The first unit arrived within two minutes, and the fire was brought under control within five minutes of the dispatch. The fire investigation revealed an electrical event in the attic of the building caused the fire. The residence was occupied at the time of the fire, and everyone was able to exit the building without injury due to an operating smoke detector.