Firefighters fight 5-alarm blaze at New Orleans East apartment complex

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The New Orleans Fire Department was on the scene of a large apartment fire in the New Orleans East area Wednesday morning, Sept. 3.

Around 6:19 a.m., NOFD firefighters were alerted of a fire in the 6000 block of Chef Menteur Highway at the Gentilly Ridge Apartment Complex.

The first engine arrived at 6:25 a.m. to find the front right side section of the second floor “heavily involved” in flames. A second alarm was called at 6:31 a.m.

Third, fourth and fifth alarms were called at 7:04 a.m., 7:25 a.m. and 8:56 a.m., as all residents and pets were safely evacuated from the building.

According to NOFD Captain Edwin Holmes, the fire possibly started in the laundry room and extended to the back and common attic space. The blaze claimed approximately 30 apartments.

NOFD officials said all units received varying degrees of fire, smoke and water damage. They add that it also extended to the several east side second floor units.

At this time, NOFD officials reported three civilians and a firefighter were treated for smoke inhalation. Another firefighter was treated for exhaustion but has since returned to duty.

In total, 28 NOFD units with about 80 personnel were able to get the fire under control around 9:46 a.m. The American Red Cross is also on scene to assist displaced residents.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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