NEW ORLEANS — Crews battled a fire at a French Quarter hotel Sunday morning and residents were evacuated out of the building.

The three-alarm blaze was reported around 11:15 a.m. at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, located at 300 Bourbon Street, according to the New Orleans Fire Department.

"This incident was brought under control safely and effectively," said Andrew Monteverde, Second Vice President of NOFD. "But it takes a lot of staffing and equipment to do that." He said getting them fast is what matters most.

When firefighters arrived, they began rescue efforts and helped to save a person in a wheelchair from the fourth floor. Two other residents were rescued from the second floor balcony, a release said.

Julien Barnes, was one of the individuals, "went to open the door and a billow of sm

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