Fire, Smoke Seen on Caesars Superdome Roof Ahead of Saints’ Return

Fire, smoke seen on Caesars Superdome roof ahead of Saints' return originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

A fire broke out on the roof of the Caesars Superdome roof on Tuesday afternoon in New Orleans.

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09/21/2021.3- Alarm Fire.Superdome.Photos by Chief C Mickal, NOFD Photo Unit. pic.twitter.com/MSbIzQgmA0
— NOFD (@NOLAFireDept) September 21, 2021

Black smoke was spotted billowing from the New Orleans Saints' stadium around 1:40 p.m. ET.

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According to Doug Thornton, VP of stadiums for ASM Global, which manages the Superdome, the fire was started "in the gutter tub" on the roof while workers were cleaning. It appears that the fire is under control, and the building will undergo a full damage assessment.

When asked if the integrity of the building was threatened by today's fire, Doug Thornton said, "No." He added they are conducting a full damage assessment now. https://t.co/FJ5TKpRRR0
— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncan_) September 21, 2021

Here's where the fire started on the Superdome "gutter tub": https://t.co/32eATf2vRH pic.twitter.com/Fz3WH4bHYd
— FOX 8 New Orleans (@FOX8NOLA) September 21, 2021

The Saints are set to play their first home game of the season at the Superdome in Week 4 against the New York Giants. The Saints were forced to relocate to Texas after Hurricane Ida devastated the city of New Orleans, and have yet to play a game this season at the Superdome.

Before returning home, the Saints will face the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

More to come ...