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Sept. 21 (UPI) -- The roof of the Caesars Superdome, home of the NFL's New Orleans Saints, caught on fire Tuesday as crews worked to clean and prepare the stadium for painting. The New Orleans Fire Department confirmed that firefighters responded to the blaze on a small section of the building's roof shortly after 12:30 p.m. The flames appeared to be under control shortly later.
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New Orleans Emergency Management Services said on Twitter that one person was transported to the hospital for "minor burns to face, arms and chest." Officials called on people to remain away from the area during the incident.
The fire, which occurred while crews power washed the roof in preparation for painting, happened in a section of Superdome roofing called the "gutter tub," according to a joint statement from ASM Global and the Louisiana Stadium and Expedition District.
The statement noted that the damage was superficial, and the structural integrity of the Superdome didn't appear to be compromised.
"The fire was contained to the exterior gutter system surrounding Superdome, and only a small area of the roof suffered minimal damage," the joint statement read. "Pressure washing was underway to clean the roof before a planned recoating of the entire roof itself. Any fire damage will be addressed during the recoating process."
Officials said the fire isn't expected to impact any future events at the Superdome, including the Saints' next home game scheduled for Oct. 3 against the New York Giants.
The Saints have been away from New Orleans since Hurricane Ida caused widespread damage across the city at the end of last month. Since the storm, the team has practiced in the Dallas area.
New Orleans also had its Sept. 12 home game against the Green Bay Packers moved to Jacksonville, Fla., due to the storm.
