NEW ORLEANS, La. (WNTZ) — Louisiana officials are taking coordinated action to address a series of fires that have erupted in homeless encampments beneath bridges and overpasses across New Orleans, prompting infrastructure damage and safety concerns.

According to a joint statement from the Louisiana State Police, Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), and the Office of State Fire Marshal, several recent fires beneath critical infrastructure have led to damage, including one bridge on-ramp closure as engineers assess structural integrity. Officials said the fires not only endanger those living in the encampments but also threaten electrical systems and the interstate network that supports emergency and commercial traffic throughout the region.

“With cooler weather setting in, the risk of fires being used for warmth in these encampments increases,” the agencies said in the release. “The damage poses a continued threat to public safety and critical infrastructure.”

On Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, members of Louisiana State Police Troop NOLA, DOTD, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the City of New Orleans Office of Homeless Services and Strategies began outreach efforts to inform residents living under bridges of state laws and available social services. City officials provided information about shelter access and alternative resources.

A follow-up operation is planned for Friday, Nov. 7, when remaining individuals in high-risk encampments will be relocated to safer locations. Once cleared, cleanup crews will remove debris and fire hazards from affected areas.

Officials said the sites will be closely monitored to prevent further fires or encampment reestablishment.

Louisiana law prohibits the obstruction of public passages, including sidewalks, highways, bridges, and public buildings, as well as any activity that impedes or restricts traffic or safe passage.

State officials said the goal of the operation is to balance public safety, infrastructure protection, and humanitarian outreach as colder months approach.