Louisiana
Ambassador Pizza Hut Catches Fire on Sunday
LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) – Lafayette firefighters worked to put out a blaze at a local Pizza Hut franchise early Sunday morning.
The commercial fire was reported around 1:30 a.m. Sunday morning, and firefighters arrived to find that flames were venting through the building’s roof.
Their crews entered the building and discovered the fire spreading in a space just above the ceiling. Firefighters battled the fire for about half an hour, a statement explained, before getting it under control. The building sustained heavy fire damage.
However, it wasn’t the fire time the crew was called out to the building.
Lafayette Fire Department Logo
“Fire crews responded to Pizza Hut earlier at 9:14 pm to a report of smoke coming from air conditioning vents,” a department press release stated. “The employees called 911 to report the smell and light haze in the business. Emergency crews examined the HVAC system and turned the power off to one of the units. The restaurant was cleared.”
Fire Safety In Restaurants
Accidents at restaurants can always happen, but there are plenty of ways that buildings can keep those accidents to a minimum.
Ensuring fire safety in a restaurant is crucial for the well-being of customers, staff, and the establishment itself. First and foremost, regularly inspect and maintain all fire detection and suppression systems, including smoke alarms, sprinklers, and fire extinguishers. Conduct routine staff training on emergency procedures, emphasizing evacuation routes and the proper use of fire extinguishers.
Maintain a clutter-free environment by regularly cleaning and organizing kitchen areas. Ensure that cooking equipment is in good working order and regularly serviced. Avoid overloading electrical outlets and keep flammable materials away from heat sources.
Implement strict protocols for the storage and disposal of flammable materials, such as cooking oils and cleaning agents. Regularly inspect and clean ventilation systems to prevent grease buildup, a common cause of kitchen fires.
Have a designated smoking area away from the building, and enforce a strict no-smoking policy in kitchen and storage areas. You should also regularly check and maintain all gas lines and equipment.
Institute a routine fire drill schedule to ensure all staff are familiar with emergency procedures.
Lastly, stay informed about local fire safety regulations and codes, and make necessary updates to the restaurant’s safety measures accordingly. Prioritizing these measures can significantly reduce the risk of fires and promote a safe dining environment.
The KPEL News Team is working to provide additional coverage for Acadiana. Updates will be shared as they become available, so download the KPEL News app via Google Play or in the App Store and subscribe to breaking news alerts to get the latest information sent directly to your mobile device.
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Be sure to bookmark our latest site, wearelafayette.net, where we provide more local news coverage as well as lifestyle and community features.
To report errors, omissions, or other concerns regarding the content above, send emails to news@kpel965.com.
The Top 5 Worst-Rated Pizzas in America
Yasin Gungor
19 April 2026•Update: 19 April 2026
At least eight children were killed and two others were wounded in a shooting in the US state of Louisiana, local police said Sunday.
Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Christopher Bordelon said officers responded to the shooting just after 6 am (1100GMT), following a domestic disturbance call.
The age of the deceased ranged from one to 14 years, he said, adding that the incident involved at least 10 individuals across four separate locations.
The suspect attempted to flee by carjacking a vehicle and driving to neighboring Bossier City, where police located and shot him dead.
Bordelon said Shreveport police officers pursued the suspect’s vehicle into Bossier, where three officers discharged their firearms, killing him. He said investigators believe the suspect was the only person who opened fire at the locations.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the attack as “maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” adding: “It’s a terrible morning.”
No immediate information was available about the condition of the injured.
Louisiana
‘Growth pays for growth’: Entergy’s Fair Share Plus model to save Louisiana customers $2.8 billion
Think tank proposes capping Social Security benefits at $100,000
A Washington think tank proposed capping annual Social Security benefits at $100,000 for couples as a way to shrink a looming deficit in the retirement trust fund.
When it comes to retiring, the best places to do so often are affordable, have a high quality of life and access to quality healthcare.
If you’re looking for a place to retire, Niche has identified the best places for retirees in Louisiana.
In its list, Niche has taken into account factors like weather, crime rates, housing costs and access to amenities.
The 5 best places to retire in Louisiana according to Niche
These are the top five best places to retire in Louisiana, according to Niche.
1. Oak Hills Place
Oak Hills Place is a suburb of Baton Rouge and is the overall best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, has a population of 9,038 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. The area is highly rated for families, diversity, as well as health and fitness. Here, the median home value is $437,900 and the median rent is $1,422, according to Niche.
2. Westminster
Westminster is another suburb of Baton Rouge and is the second-best place to retire in Louisiana. Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, this suburb has a population of 2,559 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. This area is highly rated for nightlife, diversity, families, health and fitness, as well as commute. The median home value here is $266,100 and the median rent is $1,482, says Niche.
3. River Ridge
River Ridge is a suburb of New Orleans, located in Jefferson Parish, and is the third-best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb has a population of 13,312 and offers residents a dense suburban feel. The area is highly rated for public schools, family, nightlife and diversity. The median home value is $357,400 and the median rent is $1,127, according to Niche.
4. Westlake
Westlake is a town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. With a population of 4,743, this town offers residents a rural feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, jobs, cost of living, nightlife and weather. Here, the median home value is $166,100 and the median rent is $1,049, says Niche.
5. Prien
Prien is another town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. This town has a population of 7,119 and offers residents a suburban rural mix feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, nightlife and weather. The median home value here is $278,000 and the median rent is $1,292, according to Niche.
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
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