Hard Rock Hotel Site Catches Fire 2 Weeks Ahead Of Deadly Collapse Anniversary

The New Orleans Fire Department has been hard at work trying to put out a fire at the Hard Rock Hotel.

WDSU, an NBC affiliate, reported that firefighters were dispatched to the construction site at the corner of Canal and North Rampart streets on Monday to combat the blaze. Officials stated the fire began around 9 a.m. when construction workers were using torches to cut steel beams and some of the concrete caught on fire.

The blaze could take several hours to put out because it is buried under a pile of concrete located on the upper levels of the hotel. Although firefighters initially planned to pump water into the flames, they may have to wait until the fire burns out on its own.

WDSU reported that residents have been advised to avoid the area due to the extensive amount of smoke coming from the construction site and to shut off any external air intake systems.

A spokesperson for the city of New Orleans has explained that the black smoke coming from the building was caused by a burning roofing material.

“Burning roofing material in the upper part of the Hard Rock site is currently creating heavy black smoke in the area,” the rep said in a statement.

“The New Orleans Fire Department is responding. At present, there is minimal concern that the fire can spread beyond the Hard Rock site.”

The fire comes two weeks ahead of the one-year anniversary of the deadly collapse that took place on Oct. 12, 2019, while the hotel was under construction.

The incident resulted in the death of three workers and injured dozens of bystanders. Within two days of the collapse, deceased worker Anthony Magrette’s body was recovered. However, the bodies of the two other victims Jose Ponce and Quinnyon Wimberly were only recovered last month.