The Marrero Harvey Fire Department along with other Jefferson Parish fire officials are continuing to investigate the cause of a fire at a building on the old Hope Haven campus.
On Thursday morning, fire officials were on scene conducting an investigation just one day after a massive blaze caused the second floor of the old Madonna Classroom Building to collapse.
Fire officials have not been able to access the inside of the building due to structural concerns. Once firefighters are able to safely enter, an investigation into the cause of the fire will begin, according to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Marrero Fire Chief Stephen Guidroz said the fire was reported around 11:52 a.m. Wednesday. When firefighters arrived, smoke was seen coming from the second story of the building.
Shortly after firefighters responded, flames were seen on the second floor.
According to Guidroz, a total of 60 firemen responded to the scene, which is still active.
No injuries have been reported, and at the time of the fire, the building was vacant without power.
Guidroz said those who grew up on the West Bank know the building as a staple for their area, and that the building is a huge loss.
The Archdiocese of New Orleans said it is working with the Marrero Fire Department as well as the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office with the investigation.
The cause of the fire has not been determined; however, fire officials are investigating a report of people seen leaving the building after the fire started.
According to Jefferson Parish Councilman Deano Bonano, the second floor of the school collapsed in the fire, and he expects the building will have to be demolished.
The building has structural concerns, so Bonano is asking the public to avoid the area.
Bonano said there have been homelessness issues at the site in the past, but it is unclear if that was the cause of the fire.
Once the fire is out, a structural engineer will determine whether the building will need to be demolished.
Bonano said the vacant school is part of the Hope Haven campus controlled by the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
Jefferson Parish is in the process of purchasing the Hope Haven site from the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
The site where the fire has been reported is not part of the sale, according to Bonano.
The entire campus is more than 100 years old.
READ MORE:Investigation continues into cause of fire at old school on Hope Haven campus
