Navy investigation attributes USS New Orleans fire to human error and poorly placed supplies
A Naval Criminal Investigative Service investigation into a fire aboard the USS New Orleans determined that human interaction, either intentional or due to negligence, was the primary cause of the blaze. The fire broke out on August 20, 2025, inside a special clothing storeroom while the ship was off the coast of Okinawa, Japan.
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Investigators found that approximately 100 boxes of toilet paper blocked the sprinkler heads, which prevented the suppression system from working effectively. Additionally, unauthorized hazardous materials, such as aerosol cans, acted as fuel and prolonged the fire's duration. The crew failed to locate the fire promptly and lacked the proper equipment to break into the storeroom quickly. Furthermore, leadership aboard the ship did not fully understand how to use the ventilation system, which resulted in excessive water usage and reduced visibility. The fire resulted in approximately $12 million in damage and left two service members with minor injuries. The USS New Orleans returned to its homeport for repairs and rejoined the service in January 2026. The investigation recommended administrative action against the ship's commander, Capt. Kevin Dean, and other officers.