LAFAYETTE, La. (Feb. 21, 2024 3:59 p.m.) – Lafayette firefighters responded to a fire at Ochsner Lafayette General Hospital, 1214 Coolidge Street. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) staff noticed a light haze of smoke in the unit and called 911 immediately. The nurses and staff quickly moved the babies to another unit. Firefighters entered the NICU and discovered the smoke coming from the ceiling space. It was quickly determined a small section of the roof was burning. Emergency crews extinguished the fire within minutes. First responders set up ventilation fans to exhaust the light, smoke, and smell.
Fire officials determined a roofing company was repairing the roof. The repair process requires the use of a heating torch. The heat from the torch ignited combustible material. The fire smoldered beneath the surface and eventually flared. The cause of the fire was ruled an accident.
For any information regarding the NICU and/or the hospital, please contact Patricia Thompson with Ochsner Lafayette General Hospital.
