Louisiana Man Killed and Woman Injured in House Fire Caused by a Space Heater too Close to Combustibles

Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana - A disabled man has died and his wife was injured in a house fire in Louisiana caused by a space heater placed too close to combustible objects.

According to the Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office (LASFM), deputies determined that a fire in Ponchatoula, Louisiana that killed a disabled man and injured his wife was caused by a space heater placed too close to combustible objects.

On Friday, January 27, at 6:15 p.m., the Ponchatoula Fire Department responded to a report of a house fire in the 18000 block of Esterbrook. When firefighters arrived, they discovered that the home had two occupants at the time of the fire, one of whom was still inside. Despite the fact that firefighters were able to rescue the bedridden 77-year-old male resident, he died at a nearby hospital.

LASFM deputies learned during the investigation into what caused the fire that the victim and his wife, who was in her 70s, were watching television in the front room when they heard a loud noise from the back of the house. When the female resident investigated the sound, she discovered smoke and flames and attempted to get her husband into his wheelchair so they could escape. She was hurt during her efforts and was unable to assist her husband in leaving the home.

After assessing the scene and gathering witness statements, LASFM deputies determined the fire started in a back bedroom and was caused by an unattended space heater that was too close to bedding and clothing.

The LASFM encourages Louisiana residents to use safe home heating practices in the following ways:

• 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

If you have a relative, friend, or loved one who uses unsafe heating methods, please share these tips with them and develop a safer way for them to stay warm.
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 lasfm.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.