Vacant apartment complex burns again as city rolls out ASK B.L.U.E operation

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – A vacant apartment complex in Highland has become too familiar to Shreveport firefighters, who answered their ninth call in six months at the location early Saturday morning.

At 1:41 a.m. on April 19, the Shreveport Fire Department responded to a reported fire at 1901 Centenary Blvd. When the first unit to respond, Engine 5, arrived on the scene at 1:46 a.m., they reported smoke and flames coming from a second-floor apartment in the rear of the 2-story building.

SFD brought the blaze under control at 2:06 with 12 units and 36 firefighters responding.

The complex is vacant, and Saturday’s fire was the ninth in six months. The last reported fire at the location was less than a month ago, on March 27. SFD fire arson investigators are working to determine the origin or cause of the fire.

The fire occurred about two weeks after the city launched Operation ASK B.L.U.E., created through Mayor Tom Arceneaux’s ordinance, which gives police greater enforcement power related to squatters.

On April 10, the Shreveport Police Department announced that officers canvassed the Highland community, the first area of concentration for the operation, and received over 100 reports from concerned citizens.

“As a direct result of those calls, more than 50 properties were investigated today by the Shreveport Police Department, with support from Property Standards, Animal Control, and other city partners. Animal Control officers also seized three stray aggressive dogs during the operation,” Shreveport police stated in a news release highlighting progress of ASK B.L.U.E.

Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to authorities. Call 911, the Shreveport Police Department at 318-673-6950, or use Port City 311 online or download the Port City 311 mobile app.