From the State Fire Marshal – State Fire Marshal (SFM) deputies continue investigating the circumstances surrounding a house fire in Sulphur where a male occupant was found dead inside.

Around 4:45 p.m. on January 28, Ward 6 Fire Protection District #1 responded to a medical call in the 3400 block of Nellie Royer Road in Sulphur. Upon arrival, firefighters learned relatives of the male occupant had stopped by to bring him food and found the man unresponsive in a bedroom where a small fire was active. The relatives had been able to put the fire out, but the SFM was called to assist with determining the origin and cause of the fire.

 

While official identification and cause of death are pending an autopsy, the victim is believed to be the 57-year-old homeowner who was mobility-limited.

 

After an assessment of the scene, deputies determined the fire began in and was limited to the bedroom where the victim was located. At this time, while an exact cause remains undetermined, SFM investigators have not been able to rule out improper extinguishment of smoking materials as a contributing factor.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office would like to remind Louisiana residents that it is most safe to conduct smoking activities outside of the home in an environment free from flammable materials. In addition, be sure to discard smoking materials in the appropriate manner and that those materials are fully extinguished. Lastly, be mindful to store lighters and other sources used to light smoking materials away from the reach of children.

 

Finally, deputies were unable to locate working smoke alarms in this home. The SFM stresses the importance of having working smoke alarms, and if you need assistance obtaining smoke alarms for your home, Operations Save-A-Life can help.

 

Visit lasfm.org for more details on the program.

 

SFM Public Affairs Director- Ashley Rodrigue Contact Information- [email protected]