Louisiana Child Tragically Dies in Mobile Home Fire Believed to Have Been Caused by Electrical Issues
Livingston Parish, Louisiana – A child from Denham Springs has passed away in a fire that broke out in a mobile home believed to have been caused by electrical issues.
Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s deputies have finished their inquiry into a mobile home that caught fire in Denham Springs, Louisiana which resulted in the death of a 7-year-old boy, on June 26, 2023.
Livingston Parish Fire District #5 received a call in the early hours of Monday, June 26, reporting a mobile home fire on Caliente Avenue in Denham Springs. Upon arriving at the scene, firefighters were informed that a group of witnesses had noticed the fire and alerted the family inside by knocking on the door. After the family escaped the burning home, it became clear that one child was missing and the good Samaritans tried to locate him without success. They then contacted emergency services and assisted in moving vehicles away from the property while waiting for the arrival of the fire crews. Tragically, the boy’s body was later discovered by the firefighters in a hallway.
After examining the area and gathering accounts from witnesses, law enforcement officials have concluded that the fire originated in the kitchen. They have not been able to eliminate the possibility of an electrical malfunction playing a role in starting the fire. Detectives found many extension cords, power strips, and decorative lighting strands linked throughout the house and providing power to multiple electronic devices and high-powered appliances.
The SFM wishes to promote the cessation of using appliances or regions of a house with problematic electrical behavior till a certified electrician can evaluate and fix any problems detected. Additionally, refrain from using extension cords for an extended period and comprehend the wattage restrictions of such cords and power strips to avoid overloading, which can lead to overheating and be a fire hazard.
Moreover, the deputies could not find any functional smoke detectors in this household. Smoke detectors have been demonstrated as a crucial factor between survival and fatality during a fire crisis, regardless of the residence. If you possess smoke alarms, ascertain that they are in good working order. If you require assistance in obtaining smoke alarms, Operations Save-A-Life can extend their help. To obtain further knowledge about Operation Save-A-Life or to sign up for a complimentary smoke detector, refer to our website at lasfm.org or contact your area fire department to solicit a costless smoke detector installation.