DeQuincy, LA - Firefighters from three departments responded to an abandoned garage fire during the morning of April 14 near DeQuincy, marking the second such incident in a week and prompting an investigation by state officials.
The blaze, located at the intersection of Highway 12 and Louise Goode Road, was discovered at 5:39 a.m. by Ward Six Fire Protection District No. One personnel after emergency services were dispatched to the area.
According to fire officials, Ward Six Unit 901 was the first to locate the fire after initial reports indicated it might be near the intersection of Highway 27 and Highway 12. Upon arrival, firefighters observed smoke and flames coming from the abandoned garage.
DeQuincy Volunteer Fire Department and Houston River Fire Department joined Ward Six in tackling the blaze. Crews immediately implemented a defensive fire attack strategy, which focuses on containing the fire rather than interior operations. Firefighters from DeQuincy Fire Department's Engine 19 deployed a preconnect handline—a pre-attached hose ready for immediate use—to protect a nearby structure from the spreading flames.
This incident marks the second abandoned structure fire in the area within a week that Ward Six Fire has responded to, raising concerns about possible patterns. In response, authorities have requested the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal to conduct an investigation into the cause.
The State Fire Marshal's office investigates suspicious fires and those resulting in serious injury, death, or significant property damage. Their investigators are trained to determine fire origin and cause, and whether incidents might be related.
Local officials have not released additional details about the previous abandoned structure fire or whether the two incidents might be connected pending the investigation.
Abandoned buildings present particular challenges for firefighters, as they often contain unknown hazards and deteriorating structural elements that can compromise safety during firefighting operations.