Updated: 12/21/2022
Lafayette, LA –Lafayette firefighters responded to the 200 block of W. Grant Street, former Coburn building, for a commercial fire at 12:56 pm today. Drivers passing beside the vacant building reported smoke coming from the warehouses near Second Street. Firefighters entered the vacant building and discovered a small fire in one of the warehouses. The wooden floor and floor joists were on fire. Emergency crews quickly extinguished the fire. The damage was isolated to that area of the building.
There were clothing and personal care items in the building suggesting that individuals had been sleeping inside. Fire officials spoke to one person near the scene. The individual, homeless, informed officials that at least 5 people have been sleeping inside. They slept inside last night. Officials believe that a fire was started to keep warm. It was not extinguished and burned through the wooden floor.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 21, 2022
Lafayette firefighters are on the scene of a commercial fire at the old Coburn’s building downtown, now vacant, on Grant Street. Witness reported smoke coming from one of the vacant buildings on the premise.
Firefighters accessed the building and found a small fire inside. The fire has been extinguished. Damages only contained to building of fire origin.
Fire officials continue to investigate the incident.
More details will be provided once it becomes available.
