On December 10, at 3:27 a.m., the St. Amant Fire Department and the 7th District Fire Department were dispatched to 44131 Bertrand Road for a report of a structure on fire. Engine 60, Tanker 60, Service 60, Tanker 70, and Service 70 all went enroute to the location. Dispatch advised units there were active flames visible with explosions. Demco and Acadian Ambulance were also dispatched. First arriving units advised that there was a shop/garage that was not connected to the residence that was fully engulfed in fire. The shop/garage was approximately 20 ft. from the edge of the residence. Engine 60 deployed 400 ft. of 1 ¾ in. cross lay and began to protect the surrounding exposure, the residence, on the eastside. It was seen that the vinyl siding on the house was melting away. Upon the arrival of units, the roof had made a partial collapse on itself. With there being no immediate life threats of anyone being inside, firefighters began an exterior attack of the shop/garage. The homeowner, Tracey Bourgeois, advised firefighters that there was electrical power ran to the shop and it appeared the fire tripped the power. Demco arrived on scene at 3:52 a.m. and removed the meter from the residence. On the west side of the shop/garage there was a small camper that was completely burnt leaving only the frame on the ground. Bourgeois explained the shop contained some of the following items - camper, zero turn radius lawn mower, trailer, and an assortment of tools. Bourgeois estimated the cost of all items to be around $80,000. After pouring nearly 9,000 gallons of water to the structure, it was extinguished. When discussing with the homeowners about the possible ignition of the fire they explained that before going to bed they had a fire in an outside fire pit. Homeowners explained the fire was just coals before going to sleep. The fire was just north of the shop/garage. St. Amant Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Derek LeBlanc reminds everyone to use caution when leaving the site of a fire. “Never leave a fire unattended,” said LeBlanc. “Also, it is imperative that people ensure fires are put out completely before walking away from them.” Chief James LeBlanc commended the efforts of all involved. Were a parish with some amazing men and women who volunteer their time to our many area fire departments, he said. I am proud of how well they all come together and work side by side in times such as these.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Dec 2014 15:22:11 +0000
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