For Immediate Release
February 23, 2013
Early Morning Fire Destroys Old Town Home Undergoing Major Renovation
Saturday morning just before 8am firefighters from St. Tammany Fire
Protection District No.1 responded to the report of a working structure
fire on Bilten Avenue in Old Town. Callers were unable to provide the
exact address; however, Ladder 11 arrived on scene within 2 minutes and
12 seconds of receiving the call. Captain A.J. Wrublewski and his crew
reported a fully involved structure fire at 430 Bilten Avenue and
initiated a defensive attack of the fire.
Billowing smoke, impressive flames and the wail of sirens from responding
fire engines, police cars and ambulances attracted many bystanders who
watched as firefighters aggressively worked to extinguish the fire.
Firefighters equipped with large hoses sprayed water and stood their
ground to prevent the spread of the fire to adjacent properties. Despite
firefighter’s best efforts, the heat from the fire had already caused
damage to the neighbor’s fence, shed, greenhouse, truck and boat but their
actions kept the flames at bay and firefighters were able to stop the
progress of the fire before it could spread to the neighbor’s home.
After 30 minutes of flooding the involved structure with water from the
77’ ladder truck known as the “Old Town Express” and four large hose lines
directed by firefighters, the fire was brought under control.
Fire Investigator Van Joffrion was on the scene working to determine the
cause of the fire. According to Fire Prevention Officer Mike Thiel, “The
home was undergoing major renovations and was unoccupied at the time of the
fire. The construction stage contributed to the rapid spread of the fire as
there were no windows installed which allowed air to feed the flames.
Because the structure was unoccupied, the fire burned for an unknown amount
of time until it grew to the point that neighbors noticed the smoke and
flames, and called 911.”
The cause of the fire is still under investigation at this time.
For more information about St. Tammany Fire Protection District #1 visit us at
www.slidellfire.org or follow us on Facebook – St. Tammany Fire District #1
and Twitter – @SlidellFire_PIO
Chad Duffaut
Chief of Fire Prevention/PIO
[email protected]
Cell: (985) 960-0976
