Dozens of people were displaced Wednesday after a fire ripped through a New Orleans East apartment complex.
On Thursday morning, around 10 a.m., the New Orleans Fire Department cleared the scene at the Gentilly Ridge Apartments.
According to NOFD, more than 60 units were damaged by fire, smoke, or water.
According to New Orleans Homeland Security Director Colin Arnold, the apartment complex housed homeless people who were relocated to housing during the Super Bowl.
As of Thursday, all units in the 6002 building are clear and residents are allowed to return to their apartments.
In the 6004 building on the 100 side, units 118 and up are livable. On the 200 side, units 218 and up are livable.
All residents in these units are free to return to their apartments.
The 6000 building remains uninhabitable, according to an update from the city.
A total of 12 people are on a bus headed back to those units that have been cleared.
Those impacted by the fire were bused to Joe Brown Park at the recreation center.
The American Red Cross is leading sheltering operations at Joe Brown Park. The shelter will provide food, comfort, and overnight accommodations for impacted residents until a longer-term shelter can be identified.
At this time, the public is asked not to bring donations of supplies to either the fire scene or Joe Brown Recreation Center.
Those wishing to help are encouraged to make financial contributions, which are the most effective way to support impacted families:
- Visit redcross.org/donate → select “My Donation” → then choose “I want to support your local Red Cross.”
- Or mail/drop off a check payable to Southeast Louisiana Red Cross at:
2626 Canal St.
New Orleans, LA 70119
All donations will go directly toward this response. For questions about donations, please contact Eric Besson at Eric.Besson@redcross.org
Donations can also be made to the United Way of Southeast Louisiana here.
The city of New Orleans issued the following statement regarding the response to the fire:
“Multiple city public safety leaders have been on scene working in collaboration with multiple agencies to assist those affected and will continue to do so, that is the city’s primary focus, and the city will provide updates when available.”
READ MORE:Here is how you can help those displaced by the Gentilly Ridge apartment fire
