08/21/2026
At approximately 5:37 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the St. George Fire Department responded to a reported residential structure fire in the 4400 block of Mendocino Way.
The first-arriving engine encountered a single-story home with heavy fire showing from the front of the residence and extending through a large portion of the roof. Due to the significant fire conditions and a neighboring two-story home being threatened by the fire, additional resources were requested.
Firefighters initially entered the home to begin an aggressive interior fire attack. Crews quickly determined that heavy fire was burning throughout the attic and above firefighters operating inside, prompting a transition to defensive operations.
Multiple crews deployed exterior hose lines while Ladder 638 utilized its aerial master stream to attack the main body of fire. At the same time, firefighters checked the neighboring home for extension. While the residence sustained heat damage from the fire, crews confirmed that the fire had not extended into the neighboring structure.
During the incident, a firefighter experienced a medical emergency and was evaluated by medical personnel already standing by at the scene. The firefighter was subsequently transported by East Baton Rouge EMS to a local hospital for further evaluation.
The fire was ultimately brought under control within 40 minutes; air monitoring was conducted in both the involved residence and neighboring home to ensure the area was safe before leaving the scene.
The Red Cross was called to assist one displaced resident.
SGFD investigators have determined the fire to be accidental in nature; however, investigators are continuing their work to determine the exact cause of the fire.
We would like to thank the Baton Rouge Fire Department and East Side Fire Department for their assistance with firefighting operations, as well as East Baton Rouge Parish Emergency Medical Services and the East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office for their support on scene.
Assigned units: Engine 663, Squad 605, Engine 633, Ladder 638, Engine 623, Shift Safety officer 91, Battalion Chiefs 7 & 82, Medic Unit 667, Eastside FD Engine 923, BRFD Engine 19 & District Chief 37
