A farm shed went up in flames September 9th in Vick ending with a total loss. Catahoula Parish Sheriff Office (CPSO) dispatch received a call at 10:00 p.m. about the fire and dispatched area fire departments. A combine shed, 18 wheelers, tractors, and combines were destroyed. Concern about the shed on fire and fuel tanks nearby Nutrien Ag Facility escalated the situation.
There were eight fire trucks on the scene with Sandy Lake, Larto, Centerpoint, Effie and Vick Fire Departments responding. Farmers with tankers of water fed the fire trucks. Jonesville Fire Department, AMR, and Avoyelles Parish were all on standby.
At 10:30 p.m. CPSO was advised that the fire was about 80 percent controlled and a warehouse with chemicals had just ignited and they were trying to contain it. CPSO advised Concordia Electric, Cleco, Entergy and Homeland Security Director Ellis Boothe of the update. AMR ambulance service was posted at the lock and dam to assist with fire personnel. Boothe advised CPSO to stay away from the fire.
Ulysses Ortiz with Louisiana State Police Hazmat called and spoke to Boothe at 11:20 p.m. informing him that the fire was 100 percent contained. Fire departments were still on the scene wrapping things up and monitoring the premises.
Because of the hazard of chemicals Louisiana State Police Hazmat team and The Department of Environmental Safety were also contacted. The State Fire Marshall Office is currently investigating the fire to rule out arson.