Lightning Suspected as Cause of Early Morning Fire in Louisiana that Claimed the Life of the Homeowner and Two Animals

Webster Parish, Louisiana – A lightning strike is suspected to be the cause of a fire that broke out in the early morning in Louisiana, resulting in the death of the homeowner and two animals.

The Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal’s Office (LASFM) has stated that State Fire Marshal deputies have completed their investigation into a house fire in Shongaloo, Louisiana that claimed the life of the male homeowner.

According to LASFM, the Shongaloo Fire Department responded to a report of a house fire in the 300 block of Hill Top Road at about 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 14. Tragically, one of the victims was later discovered in a bedroom.

The victim is thought to be the 73-year-old male homeowner, though formal identification and cause of death are pending an autopsy by the Webster Parish Coroner’s Office. The fire also claimed the lives of two animals.

Deputies believe lightning from nighttime storms is a contributing factor to this incident, based on an evaluation of the site that included checking neighboring security video.

Deputies were unable to find any functioning smoke alarms in this residence. Smoke alarms have been shown to be the difference between life and death in the event of a fire. Check that your smoke alarms are operational. Operations Save-A-Life can assist you in obtaining smoke alarms for your house. Visit our website at lasfm.org to learn more about Operation Save-A-Life or to register for a free smoke alarm, or call your local fire department to request a free smoke alarm installation.