Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana - Louisiana State Fire Marshal's deputies are currently looking into a house fire in Elton that resulted in the death of a male resident and his pet dog.

The incident occurred just before 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 25, when Jefferson Davis Fire District 6 responded to a call about a house fire on Highway 190 in Elton. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered the body of a man in the living room and his pet dog nearby. While formal identification and cause of death are awaiting confirmation from the parish Coroner's Office, it is currently believed that the victim was the 67-year-old homeowner. After assessing the scene and gathering witness statements, deputies determined that the fire started near where the victim was found.

Although the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, deputies have not ruled out unsafe heating practices or an electrical malfunction due to improper use of extension cords as potential contributing factors.

With colder temperatures approaching, the SFM advises families to adhere to safe home heating practices.

To ensure safe home heating, it's important to follow certain practices. These include keeping space heaters at a distance of 3-5 feet from flammable items like blankets and curtains, directly plugging heating appliances into wall outlets (not power strips or extension cords), avoiding the use of stoves or ovens for heating, and ensuring proper ventilation and not overfilling fireplaces or wood-burning stoves. It's also crucial to never leave open flames or space heaters unattended.

In terms of electrical safety related to home heating, it's recommended to avoid prolonged and unintended use of extension cords, such as connecting multiple ones to create unconventional power sources. This can lead to overheating and pose a fire hazard.

Additionally, it was noted that working smoke alarms were not found in the home. The Louisiana SFM emphasizes that smoke alarms have been proven to make a life-saving difference during fire emergencies. For those in Louisiana needing help obtaining smoke alarms for their homes, Operation Save-A-Life is available for assistance. To find out more about Operation Save-A-Life or register for a free smoke alarm, visit the website at lasfm.org or reach out to the local fire department for free smoke alarm installation.