Arson the cause of house fire in Baton Rouge

A house fire on Sumrall Drive has displaced six people, one from the home where the fire originated along with five people from a neighboring home. The Baton Rouge Fire Department responded to the house fire on Thursday, May 9 around 1:30 p.m. According to officials, the fire happened in the 5000 block of Sumrall Drive near Oakwood Drive. Firefighters say they arrived on the scene to find a 2003 Toyota Corolla engulfed in flames under the carport. The fire had already reached the attic of the home as well as the house next door. The electric meter to the home next door was damaged by the fire. Crews were able to contain the fire before major damage could be done to the neighboring home, however, the home where the fire originated is considered a total loss, according to officials.
WAFB-TV CBS 9 Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge Fire Department: More than 60 house fires so far this year, not an unusual trend

VIDEO: After several vacant house fires this year, including two within two days on the same street, the Baton Rouge Fire Department says it's not a cause for concern at this time. Within the first three months of the year, the Baton Rouge Fire Department has worked 52 structure fires. In April, firefighters put out another 10 fires. BRFD spokesman, Curt Monte, says it's not the worst they've seen. "We've had less than what we had in 2022, a little more than what we had in 2023." Monte said there were only 29 structure fires within the first quarter of 2023, and 60 during Q1 of 2022. He did not specify how many of those fires occurred inside of vacant homes. However, a handful of this year's fires have been ruled as arson. Monte said investigations from the BRFD have led to 13 arson arrests this year.
WBRZ-TV ABC 2 Baton Rouge