NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Fire Department battled a stubborn five-alarm fire in the 1500 block of Magazine Street on Friday afternoon.
Neighbors surrounding the Lower Garden District dwelling told WWL-TV's Adam Copus the residence houses about six apartments.
Crews began extinguishing the fire just after noon. A fifth alarm was issued just before 3 p.m, to relieve exhausted firefighters. The fire was under control about four hours after it started.
Operator Greg Davis talked to WWL-TV partner The Times Picayune | Nola.com about the difficulty fighting the fire for an extended period in the heat.
"It's very hot out here, and the guys are getting very overheated," said Davis. "They need to give the other guys a break."
Magazine Street was closed off for three blocks from Felicity to Euterpe streets.
The building was said to house Airbnb's and it displaced several visitors to the city.
"They've already moved us," said one visitor. "We're okay. We just don't have any clothes right now."
Firefighters said that they had a hard time finding the fire as it was contained in walls and confined spaces.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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