NEW ORLEANS — A three-alarm fire in New Orleans left two people injured and three homes destroyed, according to the fire department.
The fire broke out Tuesday afternoon near the intersection of Dumaine and North Rocheblave. Video from WWL-TV photographer Steve Wolfram showed the home completely engulfed in flames and several fire crews fighting it. Five cars were also destroyed.
Firefighters said they were on the scene within six minutes of receiving the alarm.
However, the president of the firefighter's union, Aaron Mischler, said it could have been shorter.
"A six-minute response time is under the 8-minute national standard but it could have been shorter," said the statement. "A fire doubles in size every 30 to 60 seconds and had the Treme station been open the fire would have been wrapped up quicker and any injuries could have been prevented."
Among those injured were an elderly woman who had smoke inhalation but who refused further treatment and a 6-year-old child with some burns to the neck. There were no reported fatalities.
A fire department spokesperson said that two of the homes were vacant and that interfered with firefighters' attempts to put out the blaze. The fire is believed to have started in one of the vacant buildings, which bookended the occupied home.
The fire was said to have started in an abandoned home at 2430 Dumaine Street. That property was burned to the ground. The homes to either side were badly damaged and remain on the verge of collapse, according to the fire department.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.