By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
Firefighters battled a large fire early Thursday morning, Sept. 24, at the Ark-La-Tex Pallet Yard on Bellevue Road.
The responding fire department was dispatched to the pallet yard shortly after 2 a.m. after receiving a report of a fire.
When the first units arrived, approximately half of the large pallet yard was already heavily involved in flames. Firefighters immediately requested mutual aid from the Haughton Fire Department and South Bossier Fire District No. 2.
Crews launched an aggressive attack on the fire while working to protect nearby exposures and contain a rapidly spreading woods fire.
Despite firefighters’ efforts, approximately two-thirds of the pallet yard was destroyed. Three forklifts, an 18-wheeler and a large commercial wood chipper were also lost in the fire.
Firefighters were able to save the main office.
A large response was made to the fire, with six engines, one tanker, two chiefs, two rescue trucks, one brush truck and two EMS units responding.
The Haughton Fire Department assisted with a ladder truck and a chief officer, while South Bossier Fire District No. 2 provided an engine, tanker and chief officer.
No injuries were reported.
Fire officials said piles of material at the site continued to smolder following the fire and were expected to remain hot for several days. Fire units continued monitoring the area for flare-ups.
Firefighters remained on the scene and continued working to ensure the fire did not spread to other areas.