BERWICK, La. — Two firefighters were injured Wednesday evening while battling a three-alarm commercial structure fire along the Atchafalaya River in Berwick.
The Berwick Fire Department was dispatched at approximately 5:47 p.m. Wednesday, August 12, to a reported structure fire on Third Street, on the unprotected side of the seawall.
The first unit arriving on scene reported an elevated office building fully engulfed in flames. Due to the intensity of the fire, firefighters immediately began a defensive attack using water carried aboard fire apparatus.
Crews faced significant water-supply challenges because the building was located behind the seawall, with no fire hydrants nearby. Firefighters positioned an engine along the bank of the Atchafalaya River and drafted water directly from the river to supply firefighting operations.
With extreme August heat, the complexity of the fire and water-supply issues, mutual aid was requested from the Bayou Vista Volunteer Fire Department and Morgan City Fire Department.
Multiple handlines and ground monitors were placed into operation, along with the elevated waterway of an aerial truck. Bayou Vista firefighters established an additional water supply from a hydrant located across the seawall while Berwick crews continued drafting water from the Atchafalaya River.
The coordinated effort eventually brought the fire under control, allowing crews to begin overhaul operations and investigators to examine the scene.
Berwick Fire Department investigators determined that the building did not have electrical power at the time of the fire. Due to what officials described as suspicious circumstances, the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office was called to assist in determining the fire’s cause and origin.
Two firefighters were injured during the response. One was transported to a local hospital for heat exhaustion, while another was treated for an eye injury. Both were later released from the hospital. No civilian injuries were reported.
The Berwick Fire Department responded with 22 personnel, two engines and two service trucks.
Berwick Fire Chief Jody Acosta thanked the Berwick Police Department, Bayou Vista Volunteer Fire Department, Morgan City Fire Department and Acadian Ambulance for their assistance. He also thanked community members who brought cold water and sports drinks to firefighters working in the extreme heat.
The investigation remains ongoing. Officials said any additional information concerning the cause of the fire or a potential criminal investigation will be released by the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office.
