Smoke billowed over the northwest corner of campus Friday evening as fire engulfed the residence at 709 Aster St. Located just west of the West Campus Apartments parking lot, the fire happened at about 8 p.m. Firefighters from Fire Station No. 11 on Highland Road responded to the fire, and LSUPD officers helped direct traffic around Aster Street. The Advocate reported that the fire was caused by an overloaded extension cord. According to The Advocate, Baton Rouge Fire Department spokesman Barry Mounce said all three residents safely left the burning building. The Advocate said damages were estimated at $45,000.
—-Contact Daniel McBride at [email protected]