Massive Fire Destroys Scoreboard At Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Baseball Stadium [VIDEO]
A massive fire broke out in left field at M.L. “Tigue” Moore Field on Friday, sending huge flames shooting up toward the scoreboard at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s ballpark.
The fire reportedly started near an outfield sponsor board and spread across the area. Within minutes, the flames reached the scoreboard and destroyed most of it before firefighters arrived in time to keep the fire from spreading across the rest of the turf field.
Even with the quick response, the ballpark took a serious hit. Photos and video from the scene show heavy damage to the scoreboard, the left-field foul pole, and a good chunk of the outfield wall along the third-base side.
How Did The Louisiana Baseball Stadium Catch Fire?
Fire officials said a company started the work that led to the fire while workers were performing ironwork on a metal fence. The workers used a cutting torch and welding equipment.
Investigators believe hot metal from the cutting torch ignited nearby pine needles and dry grass. The fire then smoldered before it suddenly grew.
The employees left the area before a baseball coach noticed the flames. The coach and others tried to put out the fire, but dry conditions helped it spread quickly.
Fire crews soon arrived and prevented the fire from spreading further through the field. Their quick response helped protect much of the playing surface from the flames.
University officials have not said how much the damage will cost or when repairs will finish.
The fire comes after a strong season for the Ragin’ Cajuns baseball team. Louisiana finished the season with a 41-25 record and reached the Starkville Regional of the College World Series.
The team eventually lost to host Mississippi State, ending its postseason run.
Now, the baseball program faces a different challenge away from the field. The stadium will need repairs after the fire damaged many important parts of the facility.
Officials have yet to announce a full timeline for those repairs.
Massive Fire Destroys Scoreboard At Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Baseball Stadium [VIDEO]
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