Alexandria, LA (12//2023) – The City of Alexandria (COA) released a report on the structure fire that occurred at the Guest House Inn and Suites on MacArthur Drive.
On November 29, 2023, at 1:46 PM, the Alexandria Fire Department (AFD) was dispatched to the Guest House Inn and Suites on North MacArthur Drive about a structure fire. The first unit arrived within three minutes.
After the initial fire assessment, the Assistant Chief called for additional assistance. AFD dispatched six engine companies, three aerial companies, two district chief units, and a fire investigating unit to the scene. Rapides Parish Fire District No: 2 was also dispatched by Rapides Parish Communication Center to provide additional support.
The fire was brought under control after an hour and fifteen minutes. The Alexandria Police Department (APD) utilized a thermal imaging drone to assist in suppression efforts due to the low visibility from the dense smoke.
According to officials, one firefighter was transported to a local hospital suffering a nonlife-threatening injury.
The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFM) assisted in the investigation. The cause of the fire was determined to have been human intervention.
Other agencies on the scene were Pineville Fire and Rescue, Acadian Ambulance Service, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Department of Transportation, and Rapides 911, managing the communications.
Two Additional Structural Fires Reported
On November 29, 2023, at 11:03 AM, the Alexandria Fire Department was dispatched to the La Quinta Inn and Suites on West Calhoun Drive in reference to a hotel room on fire. The fire was brought under control by the building’s fire protection system. The first arriving firefighters verified the fire was contained while other firefighters assisted the occupants in evacuation. Once the situation was determined to be safe, the scene was released, and the investigation revealed an electrical issue with the room’s air conditioning unit.
On November 30, 2023, at 6:18 AM, the Alexandria Fire Department was dispatched to Chester Street in reference to a residential fire. The first unit arrived within two minutes, and the fire was controlled within five minutes of the dispatch. The fire investigation revealed an electrical event in the attic of the building caused the fire. The residence was occupied at the time of the fire, and everyone could exit the building without injury due to an operating smoke detector.
