ALEXANDRIA, La. (02/25/2026) — The Alexandria two-alarm fire on Bolton Avenue destroyed a commercial structure early Tuesday morning and led to an arson arrest.
The Alexandria Fire Department responded to a reported commercial structure fire at approximately 12:26 a.m. in the 700 block of Bolton Avenue. Fire crews arrived within two minutes of the initial alarm. Upon arrival, the first unit observed the building fully engulfed in flames.
Firefighters entered the structure in an effort to suppress the blaze. However, crews evacuated after the roof collapsed. As a result, the collapse caused the building’s front wall to fail.
No injuries were reported during the incident.
At 7:50 a.m., UrbanCast observed the scene. Crews continued spraying water over a large pile of bricks and debris. A ladder truck extended above the structure while firefighters worked hot spots. Rubble covered the lot where the building once stood. Emergency vehicles remained parked along Bolton Avenue as officials secured the area.
Through the course of the investigation, the Alexandria Police Department identified and arrested Justin Garrett. Authorities charged Garrett with simple arson in connection with the fire. Additional details about the alleged motive have not yet been released.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
