News

July 7, 2026 | From New Orleans Fire Department

Lightning Strike the Cause of Two-Alarm Fire in NOE

On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 1:21 a.m., the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) was dispatched to a reported fire involving a building at 12345 N. I-10 Service Rd. The first NOFD unit arrived on the scene at 1:27 a.m., finding flames and heavy smoke already permeating from the roof and two third floor units of a twenty-four-unit apartment building. After initiating a door-to-door search and evacuation of Building 7 of the Chateau Carmel Apartments, a second alarm was requested at 1:32 a.m.

 

Firefighters were able to keep the fire primarily contained to the two unoccupied third floor apartments where the fire began. Several apartments below and adjacent to the areas of origin did receive varying degrees of smoke and water damage. A secondary search was conducted to assure all residents had escaped safely prior to the incident being placed under control at 2:47 a.m. According to residents and witnesses, a lightning strike preceded the fire. There were no firefighter or civilian injuries reported. The American Red Cross has been requested to the scene to assist at least four residents displaced by this incident. New Orleans Emergency Medical Services, the Louisiana State Police and Entergy Electric all responded to assist with the mitigation of this incident.

 

Call Received:                                 1:21 a.m.

Dispatched:                                     1:21 a.m.

Arrival:                                               1:27 a.m.

2nd Alarm:                                         1:32 a.m.

Under Control:                                2:47 a.m.

NOFD Units:                                    17

Fire Operations Personnel:         49

Injuries:                                             None Reported

Cause:                                               Lightning Strike

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