NEWS: Fires Continue to Rage in New Orleans

Thousands of people are still waiting to be evacuated while 2 fires rage wildly. Fifty foot flames are threatening to engulf an upscale mall near the waterfront leaving firefighters helpless. Without water or working hydrants, the fires continue to grow out of control. Sources say the fires were started under 'suspicious circumstances.'



These suspicious fires are dangerous, as water is a scarce commodity in the city. This does not help a situation that is already dire in every way possible. Not only could this lead to more deaths, but it may continue to spread causing further destruction of property.

There is the question of whether people are setting fires out of pure vandalism or if these fires are caused by the hazardous conditions currently in New Orleans.

[edit on 3-9-2005 by nikelbee]

Check out CNN you can see the images of the fires. It is crazy.



[edit on 3-9-2005 by nikelbee]

Fifty foot flames are threatening to engulf an upscale mall near the waterfront leaving firefighters helpless. Without water or working hydrants, the fires continue to grow out of control. Sources say the fires were started under 'suspicious circumstances.'

The fire you are talking about is located right on the water and one fire boat was seen on the scene yet it did not even pump water on the fire. In this case it is not the lack of water for some reason the fire dept chose not to fight the fire.

as water is a scarce commodity in the city.

This is so ironic, being in a city that is flooded with water. Maybe they could airlift water like they do in a forest fire. Scoop it up and dump it on the buildings. Some of these fires could be putting hazardous fumes into the air. The destruction that continues is unbelievable.

I'm not sure why they aren't using nearby water and standing around looking at the fires. Perhaps because the water is too contaminated? Just a guess. I've done searches and only CNN really seems to be reporting about the fires. I did find this though:

A day after the National Guard finally arrived in force and began mass evacuations, thousands of people remained behind Saturday as fires belched ribbons of smoke over the city and sporadic gunfire echoed through the night.

Saks Fifth Avenue billowed smoke Saturday, as did rows of warehouses on the east bank of the Mississippi River, where corrugated roofs buckled and tiny explosions erupted. Gunfire — almost two dozen shots — broke out in the French Quarter overnight.

sfgate.com.../n/a/2005/09/03/national/a064713D37.DTL