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The Caesars Superdome caught fire on Tuesday afternoon, with open flames and smoke billowing from the edge of its iconic rooftop as New Orleans firefighters rushed to respond to the blaze.
Shortly before 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, New Orleans firefighters announced they were heading towards a three-alarm fire in the building. At least eight fire trucks have been deployed along Girod Street and Dave Dixon Drive, the streets that run along the Uptown side of the dome.
According to Doug Thornton, vice president of ASM Global, the company that manages the Superdome for the state, the fire occurred on the “gutter” that runs around the base of the roof.
Thornton said the blaze appeared to be under control and that shortly after 1:00 p.m. smoke and flames were no longer visible.
Earlier this week, crews pressure washed the 10-acre roof to prepare it for painting.
Smoke and flames were seen at the Superdome on Tuesday afternoon
Worker Jason Hurst was inside the dome when the fire started. He said he was installing signs in the southeast corner when he looked up and saw smoke coming from the ceiling.
An announcement came over the loudspeaker to vent, he said, and once outside he saw flames he estimated to be about six to ten feet high.
The cause of the fire is unknown. It was not immediately released if any injuries were reported.
The Saints are not playing at home this weekend. The next scheduled home game is October 3 against the New York Giants. They were training out of town because of Hurricane Ida.
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This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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