LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- A fire at Ochsner Lafayette General on Wednesday caused a NICU unit to be evacuated.

Lafayette firefighters said they responded to a fire at the Ochsner Lafayette General on 1214 Coolidge Street at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday.

Officials said staff in the NICU noticed a light haze of smoke in the unit and called 911 immediately. The nurses and staff quickly moved the babes to another unit when the issue was noticed.

Upon arrival, firefighters said they discovered the smoke was coming from the ceiling space in the NICU. It was quickly determined a small section on the roof was burning. Emergency crews quickly extinguished the fire and set up ventilation fans to exhaust the light smoke and smell.

Fire officials said the fire originated from a heating torch a roofing company was using during a repair process. The heat from the torch ignited combustible material, which smoldered beneath the surface and eventually flared. The cause of the fire has been ruled and accident.

For any information regarding the NICU and/or the hospital, please contact Patricia Thompson with Ochsner Lafayette General Hospital.

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