Preparations for implosion might have caused fire, according to firefighters.
Preparation for the massive implosion planned for the former Grand Palace Hotel later this month might have caused this week’s fire, according to the New Orleans Fire Department. Firefighters haven’t determined an official cause, but reported that just before the fire, contractors used torches to cut holes to place explosives in order to prepare for the July 22 demolition.
Several acetylene and oxygen tanks also exploded during the scorcher, according to the Fire Department. As the fire reached two alarms, it forced the shutdown of Interstate 10 and many of the surrounding streets. The Interstate was reopened about 10:30 p.m. last night, but the Canal Street off ramp which will remain closed for some of Friday morning.
Crews plan to head inside the structure this morning in an attempt to determine how the fire started. The building was scheduled to be demolished because it is in the LSU-VA Hospital footprint.
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