Louisiana Child Dies in Fire Caused by Space Heater Too Close to Bedding

Webster Parish, Louisiana – According to the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office (LASFM), deputies determined that a fire in Sarepta, Louisiana that claimed the life of a child was caused by a space heater placed too close to combustible objects.

On Monday, January 30, at 1:30 a.m., the Sarepta Fire Department responded to a report of a mobile home fire in the 700 block of Church Street. While two adults and two toddlers were able to escape and receive treatment for minor smoke inhalation, an 8-year-old boy was unable to be rescued.

LASFM deputies learned during the investigation into what caused the fire that the family was asleep when the adults awoke to the smell of smoke. The two adults and toddlers were able to flee their side of the mobile home, but they were unable to reach the 8-year-old who was sleeping on the other side.

LASFM deputies determined the fire started in the victim’s bedroom after assessing the scene and gathering witness statements. The investigation determined that the fire was started by a space heater that was left on too close to the bedding.

“This is the second space heater-related fire death from the past few days and both losses of life are of vulnerable individuals,” said State Fire Marshal Dan Wallis, “We not only have to educate ourselves about safe home heating practices, but we need to be sure every member of our household knows how to stay warm safely and understands why it’s important to follow safe home heating tips.”

Those tips are:

• 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 or wood-burning stoves
• Do not leave candles, open flames, or space heaters unattended

Furthermore, deputies were unable to confirm the presence of operational smoke alarms. Smoke alarms have been shown to be the difference between life and death in a fire. The LASFM’s Operation Save-A-Life program collaborates with local fire departments to provide free smoke alarm installation to families in need. Visit laLASFM.org to learn more about the program and to register for a smoke alarm. You can also request a smoke alarm installation from your local fire department.

Featured image source: LASFM