Busy night for New Orleans firefighters leaves 3 residents injured, 3 pets dead

Several hours later, at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, firefighters responded to a two-alarm fire at 2012 Toledano St. The building, which was vacant, sustained heavy damage. Also damaged was the vacant building next door at 2014/2016 Toledano St. No one was injured.

About 10 minutes later, firefighters responded to another two-alarm fire at 6219 Pasteur Blvd. in Gentilly. One of the occupants of the two-story home was burned over 80 percent of his body and was transported to the Baton Rogue Burn Center. Another resident received burns to her hands but refused treatment. Two dogs and a cat were killed in the fire.

Shortly before 5 a.m., firefighters were called to a one-alarm fire at 6111 Erin Drive in eastern New Orleans. A resident of the house received lacerations to his hands and arms while escaping through a window. He was taken to Tulane Hospital.

In response to the multiple fires, the NOFD officials urge citizens to remember the importance of fire safety during winter months.

Officials recommend that citizens make sure they have a working smoke detector, that textiles and flammables are kept away from space heaters and open flames, and that an escape plan is practiced every month. The best plans, officials advised, include two ways out of every room.