Harahan Apartment Fire Displaces 12 as Winds Fan Flames

A wind-driven fire tore through two apartment buildings in Harahan, Louisiana, early Saturday, displacing 12 residents. The Harahan Fire Department said no one was injured, and crews rescued both residents and pets.

What happened

The fire was reported around 1:30 a.m. on Oct. 17 in the 1900 block of Hickory Avenue, according to a WWL report. Firefighters arrived to what the department described as a blazing fire and high winds, and at least eight units were engulfed. The fire was contained around 3 a.m.

Hoodline reported that both buildings were already heavily involved by the time crews arrived, even though a Harahan fire station sits on the same street. It also said the fire chief, Todd St. Cyr, attributed the fast spread in part to strong winds.

The weather factor

The National Weather Service had issued a Wind Advisory for the overnight hours as a cold front moved through, forecasting northerly gusts of 30 to 35 mph and low humidity, according to Hoodline. Wind pushes embers and flames from one unit to the next, and in buildings without strong separations between apartments, it can shorten the time residents have to get out.

Cause

The cause has not been determined. Arson investigators went to the scene, which is a standard step for significant fires. Neither report included an official finding, and none is stated here.

Help for displaced residents

Hoodline reported that the American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents. Other local reports described slightly different resident counts, including a figure that separated adults and children, and this article uses the 12 given by the fire department as reported by WWL.

What this means for renters

• Treat wind advisories as fire-risk days. Avoid candles, outdoor burning and heaters near combustibles, and make sure smoke alarms work before bed.
• Know your exits. Fires that start overnight leave little time. Plan at least two ways out of your unit.
• Protect your belongings on paper. Keep photos or video of your possessions in cloud storage so you can file a renters insurance claim even if you lose your phone and documents.
• Get everything in writing. After a fire, ask your landlord for written updates on repairs, rent obligations and your security deposit, and keep copies.

Residents affected by the fire should contact the Red Cross and their property manager about temporary housing. Louisiana renters can also reach out to local legal aid groups about their rights after a fire.

We will update this story if investigators announce a cause.