Fire destroys warehouse, home

Community donates food, clothes to couple

Jonathan Menard

A former warehouse on First Street has been demolished after a fire ruined the building and a nearby home.

It has been two weeks since Garrett and Monica Monti lost their Luling home to fire, but the couple is still overwhelmed by the donations they have received from neighbors and friends that have helped them get their lives back in order.

On Sept. 7, the Montis were sleeping at their home at 105 First St. when they were woken up by policemen banging on their door at 5 a.m. When they ventured outside, they saw that a nearby warehouse and apartment were completely engulfed in flames.

The fire soon spread to the Montis’ home, which burned their attic and caused the roof to collapse. Luckily for the couple, their four cats were saved by firefighters, and they were also able to recover family photos.

“We were able to get our wedding album and other mementos, but they were soggy,” Garrett said. “A lot of our stuff was ruined, such as a book collection we had, but that’s why people get insurance.”

The generosity of the community was made apparent right after the fire, when neighbors brought the couple breakfast. But that was just the beginning.

“People have given us clothing, food and even a bed,” Garrett said. “The outpouring of support has proven to us that we live in a wonderful community.”

The Montis were also impressed with the response of both the firefighters and policemen.

“Police were on the scene immediately, followed rapidly by firefighters from all over the parish,” Monti said. “It is because of their quick response that we were able to save what we were able to save.”

The Montis are now living with friends in Montz and plan to buy another home in the parish. The warehouse, which was located behind Triangle Food Store, was demolished after the fire. Triangle Food Store also suffered some damage.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.