Shreveport, LA, September 14, 2025
News Summary
A significant three-alarm fire broke out at a recycling plant in the Port of Caddo-Bossier, engulfing around 9,500 tons of paper. Firefighters faced challenging wind conditions while battling the blaze, which prompted an extensive emergency response involving multiple fire units. Local officials continue to investigate the cause, and measures are being taken to secure the area amid concerns over emergency response capabilities following the closure of a nearby fire station.
Shreveport
A major three-alarm fire erupted at a recycling plant in the Port of Caddo-Bossier on Saturday, March 15, leading to a significant emergency response from local fire departments. The Shreveport Fire Department reported the fire at 4:25 p.m., as flames consumed approximately 9,500 tons of paper, primarily from a bale of compact paper and cardboard.
As firefighters battled the blaze, they faced challenging wind conditions, which complicated their efforts to extinguish the flames. To manage the extensive operation, crews were rotated every three hours, with the number of fire units responding to the scene initially starting at 17 and increasing to 38 by 10 p.m.
During the incident, a reporter reported seeing green flames emerging from the Pratt Industries facility. Firefighters are currently working to obtain surveillance footage to investigate the cause of the fire. As of Sunday afternoon, the number of units on scene fluctuated between six and twelve as dusk approached.
In addition to the Shreveport Fire Department, support was provided by Caddo Fire District 4, which deployed a drone for aerial assessment. This use of technology was critical in allowing teams to strategize more effectively while ensuring everyone’s safety on the ground. Caddo Fire District officials noted the importance of mutual aid in successfully managing the fire.
Shreveport Fire Chief Clarence Reese Jr. indicated that while the fire was anticipated to be monitored for the next 48 hours, it remained uncertain when it would be fully extinguished. The Port of Caddo-Bossier has expressed appreciation for the dedication and teamwork exhibited by all agencies involved in the emergency response.
Efforts to stabilize the site include using heavy machinery to secure the area further, ensuring both public safety and the integrity of future operations at the plant. Meanwhile, ongoing discussions have centered around the recent closure of Shreveport Fire Station 20, located approximately 4.5 miles from the recycling plant. This station is undergoing remodeling due to mold issues, which raises concerns about emergency response capabilities in the region.
Councilman Grayson Boucher previously emphasized the need for expedited efforts to establish a temporary fire station at the site of the closed station. Bids for this project are expected to close soon, sparking discussions on how to enhance the city’s emergency responsiveness moving forward.
As firefighters continue their efforts and investigations are underway, local officials remain committed to ensuring that safety measures are prioritized in this ongoing situation.
FAQ
What caused the fire at the recycling plant?
The fire’s cause is still under investigation, with firefighters looking into surveillance footage to determine how it began. The fire initially ignited from a bale of compact paper and cardboard.
How many fire units responded to the scene?
Initial reports indicated that 17 fire units were deployed, which increased to 38 by 10 p.m. as the emergency situation escalated.
What challenges did firefighters face while extinguishing the fire?
Wind conditions complicated the firefighting efforts, making it more difficult to control the flames and extinguish the fire effectively.
What measures are being taken to secure the area?
Firefighters are planning to use heavy machinery to secure the site, ensuring safety for both responders and the public while operations are ongoing.
Is there an impact due to the closure of Fire Station 20?
Yes, the closure of Fire Station 20 due to mold issues has raised concerns regarding response capabilities in Shreveport. There are ongoing discussions to expedite the establishment of a temporary fire station at the closed site’s location.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type of Incident | Three-alarm fire |
| Location | Port of Caddo-Bossier Recycling Plant |
| Time of Fire Reported | 4:25 p.m. on March 15 |
| Tons of Material Involved | 9,500 tons of paper |
| Units Deployed | 38 fire units at peak response |
| Monitoring Period | 48 hours |
| Emergency Response Challenges | Wind conditions affecting firefighting efforts |
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Additional Resources
- KSLA: Shreveport Firefighters Battling Blazes
- KTAL: Shreveport Fire Department Responds to House Fire
- Shreveport Times: Fire Department Investigates Blaze
- Bossier Press: Sixth Annual Feed the Cops Event
- Google Search: Shreveport Fire Department Incident
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.
