MAN DIES IN WEST MONROE MOBILE HOME FIRE
OUACHITA PARISH (Dec. 27, 2023)- State Fire Marshal (SFM) deputies continue to investigate a mobile home fire in West Monroe that claimed the life of a male resident.
Just before 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 26, the Ouachita Parish Fire Department responded to a call for a mobile home fire located in the 700 block of Larry Henry Road in the West Monroe area.
Firefighters learned that an elderly husband and wife were asleep inside at the time of the fire. The woman reported waking up to a popping sound, opening the bedroom door to smoke, waking her husband and running outside to get a hose. She says when she returned, she found her 75-year-old husband, who had mobility challenges, on the floor. Despite her efforts, she was unable to pull him from the home before being forced out by smoke.
Following an assessment of the scene and conducting witness statements, deputies have determined the fire began in a bathroom area. While the investigation into the exact cause of the fire continues, deputies have been unable to rule out the possibility of an electrical malfunction as a potential contributing factor. The victim reported experiencing frequent electrical issues in the home and deputies found evidence of improper wiring as well as excessive extension cord use all around the home.
When it comes to electrical safety, which is often associated with home heating, it is advised to avoid overloading power strips and long-term, unintended uses of extension cords which include connecting several extension cords to create non-traditional power sources. This can cause overheating and become a fire hazard. It is also advised to always contact a licensed electrician to inspect and repair any electrical issues you experience in your home.
Lastly, deputies were unable to locate working smoke alarms in the home. The SFM wants to stress to all Louisiana residents that smoke alarms have proven to be the difference between life and death in a fire emergency. If you need assistance obtaining smoke alarms for your home, Operation Save-A-Life can help. To learn more about Operation Save-A-Life, or to register for a free smoke alarm, visit our website at lasfm.org or contact your local fire department to request a free smoke alarm installation.
ONE DIES IN OPELOUSAS HOUSE FIRE
ST. LANDRY PARISH (Dec. 27, 2023)- State Fire Marshal (SFM) deputies continue to investigate a house fire in Opelousas that claimed one life.
Just after 8 a.m. on Tuesday, December 26, St. Landry Fire District #3 responded to a call for a house fire located in the 11000 block of Highway 190 W in the Opelousas area near Lawtell. Firefighters later located the body of a victim in a bedroom.
Official identification and cause of death are pending with the parish Coroner’s Office.
Following an assessment of the scene and conducting witness statements, deputies have determined the fire began in the room where the victim was found. While the investigation into the exact cause of the fire continues, deputies have been unable to rule out the possibility of candles and/or oil lamps, believed to have been in use for light and/or warmth in the absence of electrical service to the home, as potential contributing factors.
As Louisiana begins to experience consistent cold temperatures, the SFM wants to remind everyone that home heating safety is critical:
• Place space heaters 3-5 feet from combustible objects like blankets and curtains
• Plug all heating appliances directly into wall outlets, not power strips or extension cords
• Do not use stoves, ovens, or grills to heat homes
• Don’t overfill fireplaces/wood-burning stoves
• Do not leave candles/open flames (or space heaters) left unattended
Lastly, there were no working smoke alarms in this home. The SFM wants to stress to all Louisiana residents that smoke alarms have proven to be the difference between life and death in a fire emergency, even when a home is without electricity. If you need assistance obtaining smoke alarms for your home, Operation Save-A-Life can help. To learn more about Operation Save-A-Life, or to register for a free smoke alarm, visit our website at lasfm.org or contact your local fire department to request a free smoke alarm installation.
WOMAN DIES IN JACKSON HOUSE FIRE
EAST FELICIANA PARISH (Dec. 27, 2023)- State Fire Marshal (SFM) deputies continue to investigate a house fire in Jackson that claimed the life of a woman staying in the home.
Around 5:15 p.m. on Friday, December 22, the Jackson Fire Department, with assistance from several fire agencies in East Feliciana and the West Feliciana Fire Department as well as the Jackson Police Department and East Feliciana Sheriff’s Office, responded to a call for a house fire located in the 2700 block of Carolyn Sue Drive. Firefighters later located the body of a woman in a bedroom.
While official identification and cause of death are pending with the parish Coroner’s Office, at this time, the victim is believed to be a 52-year-old woman staying at the home with the tenant who was not there at the time of the fire.
Following an assessment of the scene and conducting witness statements, deputies have determined the fire began in the living room area of the home. While the investigation into the exact cause of the fire continues, deputies have been unable to rule out the possibility of an electrical malfunction or improper smoking practices as potential contributing factors.
While many fire hazards can lead to tragedy in our homes, one of the most common fatal home fire causes, electrical malfunction, can be avoided by having a licensed electrician inspect and repair any concerning electrical activity. In addition, the SFM recommends always smoking outdoors and ensuring all smoking materials are fully extinguished in appropriate containers.
Lastly, deputies were unable to locate working smoke alarms in the home. The SFM wants to stress to all Louisiana residents that smoke alarms have proven to be the difference between life and death in a fire emergency. If you need assistance obtaining smoke alarms for your home, Operation Save-A-Life can help. To learn more about Operation Save-A-Life, or to register for a free smoke alarm, visit our website at lasfm.org or contact your local fire department to request a free smoke alarm installation.
