The Caesars Superdome caught fire Tuesday afternoon, with open flames and smoke billowing from the edge of its iconic roof as New Orleans firefighters rushed to respond to the blaze.
A little before 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, the New Orleans Fire Department said they were heading to a three-alarm fire at the building. At least eight fire trucks were staged 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 tub” which runs around the base of the roof.
Thornton said that the fire appeared to be under control, and a little after 1:00 p.m. the smoke and flames were no longer visible.
Earlier this week crews had been pressure washing the 10-acre roof week to prepare it to be painted.
Smoke and flames were seen on the Superdome on Tuesday afternoon
Worker Jason Hurst was inside the dome when the fire broke out. He said he was doing sign installation in the southeast corner when he looked up and saw smoke coming from the ceiling.
An announcement came on the loudspeaker to evacuate, he said, and once outside he saw flames that he estimated were 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 do not play at home this weekend. The next scheduled home game is on Oct. 3 against the New York Giants. They have been practicing out of town due to Hurricane Ida.
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This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Staff writers Jeff Duncan, Amie Just, Ramon Antonio Vargas and Carlie Kollath Wells contributed to this story.