SFD: Power Surge Causes Fire, Evacuations at State Building, Schumpert

Four SWEPCO circuits locked out this morning, causing power surges at several buildings in the Fairfield-Jordan area. SWEPCO spokesman Scott McCloud tells KEEL News he doesn't have a cause yet, but all affected customers are now restored.

Shreveport Fire Department spokesman Fred Sanders says more than a dozen fire units were called out to Schumpert Hospital, the Louisiana State Building and Specialty Hospitals to take care of problems there.

At the two hospitals, elevator motors went out. That caused a fire at Schumpert, but everyone got out O.K. He says employees followed their evacuation protocol and moved the patients to safe areas. Firefighters are working to clear smoke from the building.

The State Building had a problem with an air handling unit, and was also safely evacuated. Sanders says the damage was minimal at all locations.

We'll bring you more updates as they come in. Tune in to 710 KEEL for the latest.