Fire consumes Port of Caddo Bossier, second paper mill incident

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – More than 50 units responded to a monstrous 3-alarm fire on Saturday night at the Pratt Industries located at the Port of Caddo-Bossier. Unfortunately, this was the second Pratt Industries fire of the day.

According to Caddo Fire District #4, the fire was fueled by 9,500 tons of compacted paper bales, spread across 2.5 acres.

Shreveport Fire Chief Clarence Reese confirmed the size of the fire and the difficulties caused by strong winds. Firefighters from various departments worked hard to contain the flames. Multiple agencies along with off duty Shreveport Fire Department personnel were dispatched. These agencies included Bossier City Fire, Caddo Fire District 4, Caddo District 7, Caddo Sheriffs, and a tanker from Desoto Parish.

Caddo Fire District 4 (CFD 4) deployed a thermal imaging drone to enhance safety and efficiency, which played a vital role in extinguishing the flames. CFD 4 said, “along with the Shreveport Fire Department’s coordinated efforts, has been critical in managing the situation.”

“Mutual aid is a cornerstone of what we do, and when called upon, CFD 4 was ready and willing to assist without hesitation,” said John Phelan, Public Information Officer for Caddo Fire District 4. “We are proud to collaborate with our neighboring departments to ensure the safety of our communities in times of crisis.”

The Port of Caddo-Bossier posted a statement via social media saying, “We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone involved in the response. Numerous agencies came together in an extraordinary display of teamwork and dedication, demonstrating exceptional skill and coordination throughout the firefighting efforts. Our community should take great pride in the resilience and cooperation shown in the aftermath of this incident. Local first responders worked side by side, ensuring each other’s safety and executing their roles with precision and commitment. Their unified efforts helped bring the situation under control. As we move forward, additional operations will begin today, including the deployment of heavy machinery to further secure the area. We appreciate the continued efforts of all personnel involved and the unwavering support of our community.”

The Shreveport City Council also thanked SFD and all assisting agencies for their swift and coordinated response. Councilman Grayson Boucher commended first responders saying, “I sincerely appreciate the Shreveport Fire Department and Chief Reese for their hard work and bravery in containing this massive fire. As a former firefighter, I understand the risk this fire presented, and I thank them for their dedication.” Vice Chairwoman Ursula Bowman also emphasized the importance of public safety and thanked first responders for stepping up.

According to Shreveport Fire Department, there were 100 firefighters on scene that aided in containment and extinguishment tactics for this fire. Shreveport Fire will continue to rotate crews every three hours to maintain containment of the lot. Large machinery has been brought in to move burned contents around so SFD can continue to extinguish the remaining burning material.

One firefighter was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.