Gas tank-toting rig catches fire in Boutte

Disaster averted due to quick response from firefighters

Jonathan Menard

An 18-wheeler carrying multi-gas tanks had an engine fire last week, which could have led to a serious explosion if not for the quick work of parish firefighters, who were able to get the fire under control in a matter of minutes.

An 18-wheeler carrying multi-gas tanks had an engine fire in Boutte last week, forcing the driver to pull over into the middle of the St. Charles Room Bingo Hall parking lot and call 911.

Firefighters had the engine fire under control in a matter of minutes, likely preventing a large explosion.

“The driver noticed smoke coming from the engine and he was able to pull over to a safe location in the middle of the parking lot,” Armond Bourque, Luling’s assistant fire chief, said. “Any time you are dealing with gas cylinders that are exposed to flames, history has shown that they can explode.
“It was definitely a scary call to receive, but the team did an outstanding job.”

While firefighters put out the fire, the Sheriff’s Office shut down Highway 90 for a short period of time until they were sure the fire was out. Because of the quick response, Bourque said that the fire was contained to the engine and there was no further damage done.