LAFAYETTE, LA – Lafayette firefighters responded to a 911 call of smoke from under the bridge in the 2400 block of West Congress Street on Friday, September 30, 2023, at 10:32 p.m. When firefighters arrived, flames were coming from both sides of the roadway. The fire was located under the north end of the bridge. The contents of the homeless camp were on fire. The combustibles produced a tremendous amount of heat and flames. Emergency crews were able to extinguish the fire within fifteen minutes.
Lafayette police blocked the roadway for a few hours while firefighters rendered the scene safe.
The individual staying under the bridge sustained minor burns to his legs. He was treated at Ochsner University Health Clinic and later released. The male has been living under the bridge for two months. Before falling asleep, he had a lit candle on top of a plastic container. A loud noise and the heat awakened him. His mattress was on fire. He was able to escape the fire and walk to the hospital.
Fire officials determined the fire was an accident.
