A Port of New Orleans fireboat responded Saturday to a barge fire on the Mississippi River near the Huey P. Long Bridge in Jefferson Parish, La.
The fire was reported around 5 p.m., approximately one mile upriver from the bridge. The Bridge City and Jefferson Parish Eastbank Consolidated Fire Departments dispatched crews to the area, where firefighters arriving at the levee observed what appeared to be a barge burning in the middle of the river, with two vessels applying water to the fire.
Land-based fire crews were unable to access the burning barge, according to Jefferson Parish officials.
The Port of New Orleans dispatched its 95'×16' fireboat General Roy S. Kelley to assist with firefighting efforts. The fire was later contained, Port NOLA spokesperson Kimberly Curth told WWL-TV.
The 1994-built General Roy S. Kelley has a pumping capacity of approximately 13,500 gpm. Operated by Port NOLA as an extension of its Harbor Police Department, the fireboat responds to marine fires, rescues and other emergencies on the Mississippi River in Orleans, Jefferson and St. Bernard parishes.
Port NOLA officials said the incident did not involve port property or facilities. Harbor Police personnel were also on scene.
Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received reports of the fire and remained in contact with Harbor Police. The Coast Guard did not deploy assets to the response but was standing by to provide assistance if needed.
The Coast Guard is leading the investigation into the incident, according to Port NOLA.
No information on the barge type or owner has been made available.
