Latest news with #ASKBLUE
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Up in flames again, abandoned apartment complex burns seven times in 2025
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – The Shreveport Fire Department (SFD) was dispatched, once again, to the Oak Meadows Apartments at 1901 Centenary Boulevard. On Monday, April 28, 2025, the SFD responded to emergency calls at the location twice. The first was reported around 7:30 p.m. They stated that crews arrived within four minutes of the call and were able to bring the flames under control by 7:42 p.m. Thirty firefighters from 11 units contributed to the efforts. Vacant apartment complex burns again amid city of Shreveport launching ASK BLUE initiative Then at 11:24 p.m., firefighters returned to the scene where flames and heavy smoke were visible from an upstairs corner unit in one of the buildings. Crews extinguished the fire as it spread to other units and the attic space. Twelve firefighters and 34 units were needed to eliminate the fire. SFD said the second fire originated in a separate unit from the earlier evening fire. Daniel McDonnell, Administrative Assistant to Fire Chief Clarence Reese, said seven of those fires have happened in 2025. Utilities are disconnected from the vacant complex. Arson investigators are working to determine the cause and origin of the fire. They are also investigating the extent of the damage. SFD encourages the public to report any suspicious activity to authorities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Yahoo
Squatting ordinance, enforcement, and reporting concerns to Shreveport police
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Squatting has become an issue for many communities in Shreveport. On Wednesday morning, Mayor Tom Arceneaux and Chief of Police Wayne Smith announced a new initiative to enforce the city's new anti-squatting ordinance. 'Illegal squatting is not just a property issue—it's a public safety crisis that has contributed to increased crime, drug activity, and quality-of-life concerns for our residents,' said Mayor Arceneaux. 'With this ordinance and SPD's swift action, we are taking a firm stance against unauthorized occupation and restoring peace and order to our neighborhoods.' Ordinance 18 was proposed by the mayor and approved by the Shreveport City Council and will go into effect on Thursday, April 3, 2025. The companion piece to this legislation is the SPD initiative A.S.K. B.L.U.E. (Addressing Squatters Knowledgeably – Bold Legal Unified Efforts). Shreveport residents can report community concerns on Port City 311 A news release from the mayor's office said that from January 2024 until mid-March 2025, SPD received over 300 calls related to squatting, and nearly 40% of those calls came from residents of the Highland neighborhood. Police say documented crimes related to squatting include unauthorized entry, burglary, trespassing, property damage, theft, drug activity, and even armed threats. The ordinance will provide SPD with tools to address unauthorized occupancy and protect communities and property. Operation ASK BLUE will be rolled out by Shreveport police in three phases: Phase 1: Community engagement: SPD will launch a public awareness campaign encouraging residents to report squatting locations through Port City 311 or call SPD at 318-673-6950. Phase 2: Investigation & enforcement: Law enforcement teams will verify reports, identify offenders, educate squatters on the new law, and offer resources and alternatives. Phase 3. Saturation and arrests: SPD will deploy patrols to heavily impacted areas, issue citations, execute outstanding warrants, and make arrests where necessary. 'This initiative is about restoring safety and accountability,' said Police Chief Wayne Smith. 'Our officers will take decisive action to identify and remove squatters while working with property owners, community leaders, and other agencies to ensure a lasting solution. We are committed to making Shreveport a safer place for everyone.' Initial efforts will be focused on the Highland community before expanding to other affected areas of the city. SPD will collaborate with agencies, including Code Enforcement, Animal Control, and local housing organizations, to ensure a comprehensive approach to this issue. Residents are urged to report squatters by calling Shreveport police at 318-673-6950 or using Port City 311 online or downloading the Port City 311 mobile app. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
