Shreveport, La., September 14, 2025
News Summary
Firefighters in Shreveport successfully managed a hazardous material fire involving hexavalent chromium without using water. The incident occurred at a local business, and all employees evacuated safely. The fire was contained after firefighters removed flaming filters and allowed it to burn out safely, preventing any immediate threat to the public. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Shreveport, La. – Firefighters have successfully contained a hazardous material fire at a local business without the use of water, following an incident that occurred on September 13 at 12:09 p.m. The fire took place in the 8700 block of Line Avenue and was reported by maintenance personnel on site.
The Shreveport Fire Department (SFD) arrived at the location within five minutes of the initial report. Upon arrival, firefighters did not observe visible smoke or flames from the exterior of the building. However, they quickly discovered a machine at the rear of the facility engulfed in flames.
Prior to the firefighters’ arrival, the maintenance staff had attempted to suppress the fire using fire extinguishers. Firefighters later determined that the fire involved hexavalent chromium, a hazardous material which requires special handling and cannot be extinguished with water.
As part of their response, firefighters removed several flaming filters from the machine and placed them in non-combustible barrels located outside the building. They opted to allow the fire to burn itself out safely, rather than attempting to douse it with water, which could have exacerbated the hazardous situation.
Authorities quickly notified the Louisiana State Police Hazardous Materials Team and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality about the incident to ensure proper monitoring. Fortunately, no public evacuation orders were necessary, and there was no immediate threat posed to the surrounding community.
All employees at the business were able to evacuate safely without any reported injuries. A total of 32 firefighters participated in the operation to manage the fire. The official cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Emergency Response Details
- Time of Incident: September 13, 12:09 p.m.
- Location: 8700 block of Line Avenue, Shreveport, La.
- Firefighters Responded: 32 personnel from Shreveport Fire Department
- Hazardous Material Involved: Hexavalent chromium
- Evacuations: None required; all employees evacuated safely
- Injuries Reported: None
- Investigation: Ongoing to determine the cause of the fire
Background Context on Hexavalent Chromium
Hexavalent chromium is a toxic form of chromium that is typically found in industrial applications, particularly in metal plating and dyeing processes. Exposure to hexavalent chromium can pose serious health risks, including respiratory problems and increased cancer risk. Handling and extinguishing fires involving this material require specific caution due to its hazardous nature.
Safety Precautions
This incident emphasizes the importance of training and preparedness in handling hazardous materials. Businesses are urged to implement safety protocols and ensure that employees are well-trained in emergency response measures, especially when dealing with substances that pose significant health risks.
FAQ Section
FAQ
What caused the fire at the Shreveport business?
The official cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Were there any injuries reported during the incident?
No injuries were reported. All employees evacuated safely.
What is hexavalent chromium and why is it hazardous?
Hexavalent chromium is a toxic form of chromium that can pose serious health risks, including respiratory problems and cancer risk with exposure.
Was there an evacuation order during the incident?
No public evacuation orders were issued, and there was no immediate threat to the surrounding community.
Incident Overview Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date and Time | September 13, 12:09 p.m. |
| Location | 8700 block of Line Avenue, Shreveport, La. |
| Firefighters Responded | 32 |
| Hazardous Material | Hexavalent chromium |
| Injuries | None |
| Evacuations | None required |
| Cause Investigation | Ongoing |
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Additional Resources
- KSLA: Firefighters Face Chemical-Involved Blaze at Small Business
- Wikipedia: Hazardous Material
- KTBS: Fire Breaks Out at Business in Shreveport
- Google Search: Hazardous Material Fire Response
- KTAL: Shreveport Fire Department Graduates 75th Fire Academy Class
- Google Scholar: Hexavalent Chromium
- Shreveport Times: Train Derailment in Downtown Shreveport
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Safety
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.
