A storage building was damaged at 47027 Laurel Ridge Rd. St. Amant at 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 10.
The neighbor noticed the grass fire on the property moving very fast towards the storage structure and called 911. Responding firefighters saw a column of dark smoke as they approached the site. Two different explosions could be heard by the residents on Laurel Ridge area, which appeared to be propane tanks, stated Chief Officer James E. LeBlanc.
When firefighters arrived on scene, the fire had vented through the structure. St. Amant firefighters used hand lines to knock down the heavy exterior flames. The initial call from the Ascension Dispatch Center was that the storage facility was occupying several propane bottles and gun ammunition, stated Chief LeBlanc.
St. Amant firefighters were able to bring the fire under control within 11 minutes and there were no injuries reported on scene.
Leaf, brush or debris fires can quickly get out of control if it's windy or dry. LeBlanc recommends checking the weather forecast before starting even small brush fires to make sure wind won't be a factor.
Burning debris after wetting down the surrounding area also improves fire safety. Have a hose or other tools on hand to control the fire if it starts to spread.
"Don't leave the fire unattended. Even a small fire can get out of hand quickly and spread to surrounding vegetation. Then you've got a big problem," Westover said.
If a fire spreads, don't delay calling the local fire department. The sooner they can respond, the better.
