News Summary
A massive fire at Pratt Industries in Port of Caddo-Bossier sent over 100 firefighters into action on March 15, 2025. The blaze, fueled by heavy winds, engulfed bales of paper and prompted multiple alarms, bringing together firefighting agencies from across the region. As crews worked tirelessly to contain the flames and protect nearby buildings, one firefighter sustained minor injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation as efforts continue to extinguish lingering hotspots over a day later.
Firefighters Battle Massive Blaze at Pratt Industries
PORT OF CADDO-BOSSIER – A commercial building at Pratt Industries was engulfed in flames on March 15, 2025, around 4:30 p.m., sending waves of smoke high into the sky and triggering a strong response from local fire departments. The fire broke out at the facility, located in the 10000 block of Richard Pratt Road, where several bales of paper caught fire, exacerbated by heavy winds.
Initial calls for assistance came just before 2:30 p.m., prompting the Shreveport Fire Department to jump into action. As the flames spread rapidly, a second alarm was sounded, which brought in additional units. Things escalated quickly when a third alarm was triggered, resulting in a full rally of firefighting agencies to join the battle, including local heroes from the Bossier City Fire Department and Caddo Fire Districts 4, 5, 6, and 7. Even the Caddo Sheriff’s Office and tanker support from Desoto Parish arrived on the scene to aid in efforts.
A Mighty Response
All in all, over 100 firefighters responded to this challenging emergency, with around 30 off-duty firefighters stepping up to join their comrades. These brave souls tackled a daunting scene that included over 9,500 tons of compacted paper bales spread across a sprawling 2.5-acre lot. The visual of the flames lighting up the evening sky was both awe-inspiring and concerning for those in the area.
While battling the blistering fire, one firefighter suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was promptly transported to a local hospital for care. Despite the risks, the firefighters showcased professionalism and bravery as they employed a thermal imaging drone, enhancing safety and efficiency in their efforts to extinguish the flames.
Community Efforts Shine
The Port of Caddo-Bossier expressed immense gratitude towards first responders for their teamwork, dedication, and seamless coordination during this daunting event. Shreveport Fire Chief revealed that the fire was dangerously close to other buildings upon arrival, highlighting the critical extent of the firefighting efforts in preventing a more catastrophic situation. Heavy machinery is being deployed to secure the area as work continues on the aftermath.
Even after more than 24 hours into the incident, firefighters still found themselves battling the remnants of the fire as it remained active. Crews were diligently working to extinguish smoldering sections of containerboard, showing no signs of giving up.
Investigation Underway
As the smoke begins to settle, the cause of the fire is still under investigation, leaving many in the community eager for answers. Shreveport City Council members have taken a moment to acknowledge the courage and rapid response of all first responders, emphasizing the vital role they play in protecting the community in situations like this.
To maintain effective control over the situation and manage remaining hot spots, fire crews are executing rotations every three hours. The strong commitment and teamwork displayed during this event reflect what it truly means to protect and serve, ensuring that even amidst the chaos, there’s a sense of community pride emanating from how everyone came together in a time of need.
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Times
- Wikipedia: Firefighter
- KTBS
- Google Search: Pratt Industries fire Shreveport
- KSLA
- Google News: Pratt Industries fire
- KTAL News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Firefighting
- KSLA News
- Google Scholar: Firefighting techniques
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
