LAFAYETTE, LA – At 6:52 p.m. last night, Lafayette firefighters responded to a commercial fire in the 500 block of East Convent Street. When first responders arrived on the scene, heavy smoke was coming from the rear of the large warehouse. The commercial structure, once occupied by Lafayette Motors, sustained heavy fire damage to the exterior and moderate damage to the interior.
The building was occupied as a body shop and/or auto-mechanic repair shop. The employees were off at the time the fire started.
An individual passing in the area reported the fire. Heavy smoke was reported coming from the building.
No injuries were reported.
Lafayette fire investigators determined the fire originated under a metal canopy in the rear of the building. It appears the occupants have utilized a metal container to burn disposable items. It was placed next to a wooden structure under the canopy. Fire officials believe the occupants didn’t extinguish the fire prior to leaving for the day.
The cause of the fire was ruled an accident.
