Fire Damages Old Scoreboard At UL Baseball’s Tigue Moore Field
A fire at UL Baseball's M.L. "Tigue" Moore Field at Russo Park sent smoke into the sky over Lafayette Friday afternoon, with the blaze ultimately causing significant damage to the stadium's old scoreboard.
UPDATE:
Fire Ruled Accidental, No Injuries Reported
The Lafayette Fire Department says the fire at M.L. "Tigue" Moore Field at Russo Park has been ruled accidental. Firefighters were called at 3:34 p.m. and arrived to find fence banners and padding, grass, pine trees and the ballpark's old scoreboard on fire. Crews extinguished the blaze within about 15 minutes.
Investigators determined a company had been performing iron work on the metal fence using a cutting torch and welding equipment before employees left the area. Officials believe hot metal from that work likely ignited pine needles and dry grass, which smoldered before eventually flaring up. The fire spread quickly due in part to dry conditions, heavily damaging the old scoreboard, fence banners and padding.
Louisiana Athletics confirmed the fire began along the left-field fence after work crews had left for the day and thanked Lafayette firefighters for their quick response.
"We are also grateful that no one was injured," Louisiana Athletics said.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Reports of smoke began coming in from around the area, including Johnston Street, Bertrand Drive and Congress Street. The source of the smoke was eventually traced to the UL Baseball facility.
Ragin Review captured photos showing flames and smoke at the ballpark as Lafayette Fire Department crews responded.
The fire has since been extinguished.
Welding And Cutting Work Apparently Sparked Fire
Lafayette Fire Department PIO and Investigator II Alton Trahan said individuals were working on a metal fence using welding and cutting tools when nearby pine needles apparently ignited.
According to Trahan, the fire then caught fencing and signs before spreading to the old scoreboard, which has reportedly been covered up with a billboard.
"Individuals were working on a metal fence using welding and cutting tools. Apparently, pine needles in the area ignited. They caught the fence and signs on fire. The fire then spread to the scoreboard," Trahan said.
The fire was brought under control, but not before causing heavy damage to portions of the fence, signage, and the old scoreboard.
Scoreboard At UL Baseball Stadium Severely Damaged
Photos from the scene show significant fire damage around the old scoreboard area at Tigue Moore Field.
The extent of the damage and what repairs may be required were not immediately clear Friday afternoon. No injuries have been reported at this time.
Tigue Moore Field at Russo Park is home to the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns baseball program and sits along West Congress Street near Cajun Field.
Additional information about the fire, including the full extent of the damage, could become available as officials assess the scene.
This story will be updated as more information is released.
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