Fire forces evacuation of at least 20 residents in New Orleans East apartment building

High winds fueled rapid spread of blaze on Kuebel Drive, no injuries reported

Feb. 1, 2026 at 7:31am

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At least 20 people were evacuated and displaced after a three-alarm fire damaged a residential building in New Orleans East late Saturday night, according to the New Orleans Fire Department. Firefighters were dispatched around 11:39 p.m. to the 6300 block of Kuebel Drive, where they encountered heavy fire in the rear of the building. The fire spread quickly, prompting a second alarm within minutes and a third alarm shortly afterward as firefighters worked to evacuate residents.

Why it matters

High winds coming off Lake Pontchartrain contributed to the intensity of the fire and its rapid progression, raising concerns about the safety of residents in the area. The incident occurred during a period of freezing temperatures in the metro area, adding to the challenges faced by first responders and displaced residents.

The details

NOFD said there was concern that not all occupants had initially made it out of the building. The fire was brought under control around 2:40 a.m., and no injuries were reported among civilians or fire personnel. A total of 55 firefighters and 22 units responded to the scene. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

  • The fire was reported around 11:39 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
  • The fire was brought under control around 2:40 a.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

The players

New Orleans Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to the fire and led the evacuation and firefighting efforts.

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The takeaway

This incident highlights the challenges faced by first responders and residents during extreme weather conditions, as well as the importance of fire safety and preparedness in multi-unit residential buildings.