OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) -- On East Jefferson Street inside of Fat Belly's Diner, crews with the Opelousas Fire Department responded to a fire just after 2 a.m. Saturday morning. Despite their efforts, three people passed away.

Opelousas Mayor Julius Alsandor says he learned of the fire early Saturday morning from the fire chief and called the loss “a tragic occurrence.”

“This is a tragic occurrence, not welcome in any community, especially even Opelousas. And I send my prayers and condolences on behalf of city council and all of us that are employed in the city,” Alsandor said.

He said the fire crews were on scene in less than two minutes; a response time he attributes to their constant training.

“Training is essential and part of their everyday job. So they responded accordingly and did their job as they're trained to do each and every day,” Alsandor said.

The mayor said the loss also hits close to home. He knew the owner of Fat Belly’s personally and described him as warm and welcoming to everyone in the community.

“He was, you know, very cordial and an owner who opened his own arms up in his business to everyone in the community. And at this time right now, his business and him will be sadly missed,” Alsandor said.

The Opelousas Fire Department said their thoughts and prayers are with the families that are affected by this tragedy.

A GoFundMe has been created to support victims Raquel Harris and Skylar Tapp’s families. Donations can be made here.

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