Pelican Park in Carencro to Remain Closed, Tournaments Canceled After Fire Causes Severe Damage

A Carencro landmark is currently closed after a fire caused significant damage to Pelican Park early Sunday morning.

The Carencro Fire Department responded to a report of a commercial fire at the park early on Sunday, May 14, 2023. Upon arrival, firefighters found flames and heavy smoke coming from the first floor of the three-story facility. With the assistance of fire departments from nearby Lafayette, Scott, and Duson, the fire was brought under control in approximately 30 minutes. However, the fire caused severe damage to the concession stand area, compromising the structural integrity of the second floor due to extreme heat.

The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental, originating from a storage room. There were no players or spectators at the park when the fire started, and no injuries were reported. A staff member who was preparing the park for a softball tournament discovered the fire and tried to put it out with a fire extinguisher but was unsuccessful due to the intense heat and flames.

The bar and offices on the upper floors of Pelican Park only received minor smoke damage. However, the park will remain closed, and all scheduled tournaments have been canceled until further notice.

Carencro Fire Chief David Mouton has stated that investigators from the Lafayette Fire Department will continue to investigate the cause of the fire.