VIDEOS/PHOTOS: Crews responded to the scene of a fire at the Nottoway Plantation in White Castle that began on Thursday afternoon, May 15. According to officials, the fire started shortly after 2 p.m. in the south wing of the building. Staff members reportedly found smoke after walking into a room of the museum on the second floor. They then discovered flames after they left and came back in, officials say.
The fire is believed to have started in one of the bedrooms on the second floor, but the cause is still under investigation. After initially putting the fire out, firefighters went to every floor to ensure all flames and hotspots were out. At 3:30 p.m. the fire chief believed they would still have about 2 hours from declaring the building safe. Several departments were on hand with about 30-40 firefighters working the scene at the moment. The fire reignited Thursday evening and flames could be seen shooting from the roof as it collapsed.
When the fire initially began, officials said the owners had committed to rebuilding and making repairs in line with historic preservation. As of now, however, the owners say they are unsure what they will do. The plantation is one of the largest antebellum homes in the South and has roots that date back to 1859. The Iberville Parish Sheriffโs Office says no injuries are reported at this time.
