City of Natchitoches battles fire at historic bed and breakfast
By: Nancy Cook
Updated: June 20, 2012
The City of Natchitoches today
is investigating a fire that nearly destroyed a historic bed and breakfast in
the City's Historic District.
The City of Natchitoches Fire Department received a call at approximately 5:45 a.m. Tuesday of a structure fire in the Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District. Firefighters immediately responded with two fire engines and discovered a "fully involved" structure fire at the Levy-East House Bed and Breakfast, located at 358 Jefferson St.
Firefighters immediately called for more assistance. It took firefighters approximately one hour to extinguish the fire.
City of Natchitoches Fire Chief Dennie Boyt said the historic structure is "likely a total loss." No one was inside the bed and breakfast when responders arrived on the scene. No civilians were injured in the fire; however, Chief Boyt said a firefighter was treated for minor injuries. The fire is believed to have started in the rear of the building. The fire's cause has not been determined.
Chief Boyt said the fire is being investigated by the Natchitoches Fire Department, Natchitoches Police Department and State Fire Marshal's investigators. Anyone with information or tips related to the fire is encouraged to call the Natchitoches Fire Department at (318) 357-3860.
The Levy-East House Bed and Breakfast is a two-story Greek Revival residence. The structure was originally constructed as a one-story building sometime in the 1830s. A second story was later added sometime between 1854 and 1891.
The Levy-East House Bed and Breakfast is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is listed as a "pivotal" structure in the Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District.
