Smoke seen all over city as Place Vendome burns yet again

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Another fire has broken out at the abandoned Place Vendome Apartments on Fifth Avenue.

Residents from all over Lake Charles have reported seeing smoke from the fire.

Some viewers say lightning struck the area shortly before the fire started.

Six Lake Charles Fire Department trucks have responded to the scene. Sasol is sending another truck to provide water and manpower.

Firefighters say one building is on fire and they are working to make sure it doesn’t spread to the others.

The complex, formerly called Johnson Hall, has sat in disrepair since Hurricane Laura.

Numerous fires have broken out at the complex since then. This is at least the eighth fire since the hurricane.

City officials have weighed what to do with the apartments. The city council planned to vote on condemnation in March, but it was postponed because there was a potential buyer.

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