Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Deadly November 29 House Fire that Claimed the Life of a Louisiana Man

Louisiana - The Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office (LASFM) reported on November 29, 2022, that deputies are still investigating a deadly house fire in Bastrop, Louisiana that claimed the life of a male resident.

On Saturday, Nov. 26, shortly after 11 a.m., the Bastrop Fire Department responded to a complaint of a house fire in the 100 block of Shady Oaks Lane. When firefighters arrived, they discovered a man dead in a bedroom.

Official identification and cause of death are pending from the Morehouse Parish Coroner's Office, although the victim is thought to be the home's disabled 61-year-old only inhabitant and resident.
LASFM deputies established the fire started in the bedroom where the victim was discovered after assessing the area and collecting witness accounts. Deputies have not been able to rule out unsafe smoking behaviors as a possible cause of this incident as of yet.

The LASFM reminds Louisiana residents to refrain from smoking indoors and to ensure that all smoking materials are properly and completely extinguished. It is also strongly advised to avoid smoking when sleepy or under the influence of alcohol or medications that cause drowsiness. Furthermore, any spark-producing objects, such as lighters, should be kept out of children's reach.

Deputies were also unable to establish the presence of functioning smoke alarms in the home. The LASFM wishes to remind all Louisiana residents that smoke alarms can mean the difference between life and death in a fire, regardless of the type of property. 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.

Featured image source: LASFM