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Shreveport Council Addresses Fire Risks from Vacant Properties

The Shreveport City Council holds a meeting to address the concerns regarding fires in vacant homes.

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News Summary

The Shreveport City Council is debating a new ordinance aimed at tackling the rising number of fires occurring in vacant homes. Following recent incidents that destroyed homes, the proposed law would empower police to remove trespassers from blighted properties. While some council members support the measure for streamlined enforcement, others question its effectiveness in addressing the root cause of the issue. Community residents are rallying for safer neighborhoods as fire crews encounter increased challenges from these dangerous sites.

Shreveport Council Looks to Tackle Growing Fire Issue and Vacant Property Concerns

In the heart of Shreveport, a heated debate is unfolding at the City Council as members clash over a proposed ordinance aimed at addressing the pressing issue of trespassers and the alarming frequency of fires in vacant homes. Recent incidents, including a devastating house fire on Columbia Street that left one home in ruins, have heightened concerns among residents and city officials alike.

Recent Fire Incidents Spark Conversation

On February 6, 2025, Shreveport fire crews were busy battling flames at two separate properties. One home in the 400-block of Columbia Street was completely destroyed, while another place at the intersection of Herndon Street and Creswell Avenue sustained significant damage. These disturbing occurrences have thrown the spotlight on the growing number of vacant homes in the area and the potential risks they pose to the community.

City Council In Session: New Ordinance on the Table

In a recent meeting, Mayor Tom Arceneaux proposed an ordinance that would give local police more power to remove individuals found occupying blighted homes or those without active water service. The mayor believes this change will streamline the process for law enforcement and tackle the growing issue of squatters living in dangerous conditions.

However, not everyone on the council is convinced. Caddo Parish Commissioner John-Paul Young has voiced concerns about the effectiveness of the proposed ordinance, suggesting it may not adequately address the root of the problem. Some council members argue that current Louisiana laws already allow police to respond to neighbor complaints about squatters, urging for a comprehensive approach instead.

Council Members Weigh In

During discussions, it became clear that the council members are divided on how to best handle the issue of unauthorized occupants in vacant homes. The topic of identifying “lawful possessors” was brought up as crucial. Many council members voiced the importance of uniform procedures in removing trespassers, aiming to protect both residents and property rights.

Shreveport Fire Chief Clarence Reese added that firefighters are often faced with trying to put out flames while contending with individuals who vacate the property before any action can be taken. The increasing fires at these vacant homes have made it evident that a solution is necessary to prevent future incidents.

Police Support for The Proposed Changes

Despite the hesitations from some council members, Police Chief Wayne Smith has expressed support for the proposed ordinance. He argues that it simplifies the process for officers, allowing them to focus on safety rather than needing to ascertain whether individuals have the right to be in a particular location. This change could potentially eliminate the confusion surrounding how to handle cases of illegal occupation.

Community Residents Concerned

Residents of neighborhoods like Highland have been particularly vocal about their concerns surrounding crime and safety due to vacant properties. Many residents have reported feeling uneasy as these homes continue to sit unoccupied, with the fear of potential fires looming large. Efforts have been made to ensure that community voices are heard in the council’s decision-making process.

Fire Response Challenges

Firefighters have also recently been challenged by the frequency of fires at vacant buildings, including a notable response to a fire on Myrtle Street, where multiple fire units deployed quickly to control the situation. Remarkably, no serious injuries were reported, but this incident speaks volumes about the ongoing risk faced by both the fire crews and the community.

The ongoing discussions within the Shreveport City Council highlight a community grappling with safety, property rights, and the responsibilities of local authorities. As the council continues to evaluate the proposed ordinance, residents will be watching closely to see how their concerns are addressed in efforts to bring about the safety and security of their neighborhoods.