Pressure washer catches fire on Superdome roof in New Orleans; 1 injured

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE/Gray News) - A pressure washer caught fire on the roof of the Caesars Superdome, sending flames and heavy black smoke into the New Orleans skyline early Tuesday afternoon.

“This afternoon a fire occurred on the exterior gutter tub of the roof,” a tweet from the Superdome said. “Upon investigation, it appears that a pressure washer being used to clean the roof caught fire. Damage is still being assessed.”

Crews were on the iconic white roof to resume cleaning operations that were interrupted by Hurricane Ida, WVUE-TV reported. One worker suffered minor burns on his neck, arm, and chest.

Firefighters quickly discovered that the fire was in an extremely difficult place to fight. Several firefighters had to gear up and climb to the roof while they attacked the fire from both inside and outside of the dome.

Flames and dark black smoke could be seen along the lip of the roof, starting around 12:30 pm. CT. The smoke had turned to a lighter shade of gray about 20 minutes later.

The fire was reportedly under control around 1:20 p.m. CT.

The home stadium for the New Orleans Saints is scheduled to be the site of the team’s Oct. 3 game against the New York Giants.

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