Fire Officials in Louisiana Release Additional Information Regarding March Fire That Claimed the Life of 4-Year-Old Boy

Monroe, Louisiana - Fire officials in Louisiana have released additional information regarding a March fire that claimed the life of a 4-year-old boy.

The Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office (LASFM) reported on April 10, 2023, that deputies are continuing their investigation into a house fire in Monroe that claimed the life of a 4-year-old boy from Monroe, Louisiana.

According to reports, the Monroe Fire Department responded to a report of a house fire in the 4000 block of Lee Drive shortly before 5 a.m. on Saturday, March 25. When firefighters arrived, they discovered that there were 11 individuals in the house at the time the fire was reported, and all but one had escaped. Tragically, the body of a 4-year-old boy was discovered in a bathroom later.
Deputies have established that the fire started in the kitchen of the home after an intensive examination. Deputies, however, are unable to pinpoint a specific cause since they cannot rule out potential electrical faults or unattended cooking as contributing causes.

According to deputies, several of the children in the house noticed the fire and subsequently warned the rest of the people in the home. When the family went outside to account for everyone, they discovered the 4-year-old was missing.

The LASFM highlights the significance of having a home escape plan in place for each member of your family. This plan should involve knowing two ways out of each room in the home and having a safe area outside where everyone can gather and call for help. As an alternative to hiding out of fear, this escape plan must become familiar and comfortable to children. When you test your smoke alarms once a month, this is a perfect time to practice these escape routes.

Deputies discovered a smoke alarm in the residence, but survivors claim they did not hear it sound as a signal to the danger. Smoke alarms save lives, and our Operation Save-A-Life program collaborates with local fire departments to install FREE smoke alarms for families in need. Visit lasfm.org for more information on Operation Save-A-Life or to register for a free smoke alarm. You can also call your local fire station to request a free smoke alarm installation.