11-Hour USS New Orleans Fire Tied to Human Error and Blocked Sprinklers

A U.S. Navy command investigation found no single ignition source for the 11-hour fire on the USS New Orleans, citing human interaction as a factor and noting that 100 boxes of toilet paper blocked sprinkler heads, with hazardous materials improperly stored. Delays in locating the fire and missteps in firefighting procedures worsened the blaze, causing about $12 million in damage and two minor injuries. The ship was repaired and returned to service, with updated damage-control training implemented across the Navy.