A group of friends celebrating a birthday party at Carabella’s Bar in downtown New Iberia Saturday night became heroes for the local theater community after an electrical fire on the marquee of the Essanee Theater was quickly put out by the patrons.

New Iberia resident Seth Boudreaux said he was out celebrating the birthday of his friend Paul Boyance at Carabella’s on Iberia Street when owner of the bar Jason Legnon rushed into the bar to tell the patrons that a fire had sparked on the marquee.

“We were having a few drinks, (Jason) came into the bar and said, ‘The theater is on fire!’” Boudreaux said.

The marquee was installed in 2021 after the owners of the building received a grant to restore the original design of the Essanee Theater. Using classic materials with modern lighting materials.

After inspecting the fire, the group noticed that a unique fire extinguisher was needed to put out the electrical fire.

“We just so happened to have one,” Boudreaux said. “Paul came and was tall enough to put it out.”

Thanks to the quick thinking of Boyance, Boudreaux and all involved, the fire was able to be put out before it caused extensive damage to the marquee and historic building. The fire sparked in the centerpiece of the marquee and was quickly put out.

Mitch Prudhomme with the Iberia Performing Arts League said the New Iberia Fire Department came shortly afterwards and disconnected the sign to prevent a future incident.

“(They) said it could have been bad for the old building if no one had seen it,” Prudhomme said.

Boudreaux said he didn’t think much of the incident, and the group was able to enjoy the rest of the Boyance’s birthday back at Carabella’s.

“Like I told them, it’s not a big deal,” Boudreaux said. “Anybody would have done the same thing.”