Sulphur, Louisiana - Early this morning, at approximately 12:45 a.m., the Houston River Fire Department received a dispatch regarding a fire at a dog kennel located in the 800 block of Sim Portie Road. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a rapidly spreading fire that had already extended into a nearby camper.

Despite the challenging conditions, firefighters quickly took action to control the blaze. The fire was extinguished by 2:25 a.m., with all firefighting equipment returned to service by 3:00 a.m. No firefighters or animals were reported injured during this incident. However, the dog kennel was completely destroyed, and the camper sustained significant damage.

The initial investigation into the cause of the fire revealed that a heat lamp used in the dog kennel was to blame. Heat lamps are commonly used during colder months to provide warmth, but they can pose a fire hazard if not monitored or maintained properly.

In light of this incident and the ongoing cold weather, the Houston River Fire Department urges the community to exercise caution when using space heaters and heat lamps. It is recommended to keep the area around heating equipment clear of flammable materials for at least three feet, and to ensure that all heating devices are secured to prevent pets and children from knocking them over.

Assistance during this incident was provided by Calcasieu 911, the Calcasieu Sheriff's Office, and the Sulphur Fire Department.

As the cold weather persists, residents are reminded to prioritize safety in their homes to prevent similar incidents in the future.