ProjectNOLA says its crime cameras helped prevent what could have been a disastrous fire in the French Quarter—a fire officials believe may have been set by an arsonist.
That fire, described by ProjectNOLA officials as “potentially catastrophic,” happened on Decatur Street near Ursulines Avenue, about a block away from the French Market.
According to a post on ProjectNOLA’s Facebook page, an analyst monitoring the camera feed noticed the fire and called authorities. That camera, officials said, was installed just hours before it captured the video of the conflagration.
“Within 5 minutes, the NOFD extinguished the fire as it spread into the interior of the building, while NOPD detectives worked with Project NOLA staff to begin tracking down the apparent arsonist,” ProjectNOLA’s Facebook post stated. “The quick thinking shown last night highlights why Project NOLA is currently working to implement thermal-hybrid crime cameras that may automatically notify the NOFD when the ignition of a new fire is detected.”
If you know anything about this suspected arson, call the NOPD at 504-658-5300 or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.