Two New Orleans firefighters were injured Thursday night and are recovering after battling a six-alarm fire that broke out at a Chartres Street hotel, a spokesman said.
Both firefighters became separated from the crews inside the Quarter House hotel, with one becoming temporarily trapped, and suffered smoke inhalation while exiting the building as flames intensified, said New Orleans Fire spokesman Gregory Davis.
The firefighters were transported to a local hospital, but are expected to make full recoveries.
Firefighters responded to a 911 call for a one-alarm fire shortly before 8 p.m. at the Quarter House Resort hotel located at 129 Chartres Street, said NOFD Chief Chris Mickal.
The first crews arrived at 7:55 p.m. and called a second alarm, adding more firefighting resources, after finding the roof of the five-story hotel on fire.
Fire crews were making an interior attack inside the hotel when the fire became stronger, prompting the third alarm to be called at 8:19, with firefighters ordered out of the building, Davis said, adding that the two firefighters separated from their teams and one became trapped in a confined space.
Crews immediately searched for the trapped firefighters and found them, breaking a window as they ran out of air, Davis said.
The blaze was reported out-of-control just before 9:30 p.m. and was upgraded to six alarms at 11:13 p.m., indicating a serious fire that ultimately required more than 80 fire personnel from 27 NOFD units.
The fire was brought under control at 2 a.m., Davis said.
Additionally, Louisiana State Police; the New Orleans Homeland Security and Preparedness, Emergency Medical Services and Police Department responded to the fire.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, Davis said.
(Above photo credit: NOFD; gallery credit below: NOFD, first four pictures; Kevin Minsky, last four pictures.)
06/18/2020. 6- Alarm Fire. 100 Chartres St. Chief C Mickal, NOFD Photo Unit. pic.twitter.com/GHJPSmMSnS
— NOFD (@NOLAFireDept) June 19, 2020