Unsafe Heating Practices Suspected in January 14 Fatal Fire that Claimed the Life of a Louisiana Woman

Bienville Parish, Louisiana - The Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office (LASFM) announced on January 15, 2023, that deputies are investigating a mobile home fire in Ringgold, Louisiana that claimed the life of a female occupant.

According to LASFM, Bienville Parish Fire Districts #4 and #5 responded to a complaint of a mobile home fire in the 2100 block of Washington Street in Ringgold, Louisiana at roughly 8:45 p.m. on Saturday, January 14. Unfortunately, firemen later discovered a female victim among the remains of the house.

While the identity and cause of death are pending an examination by the Bienville Parish Coroner's Office, the victim is thought to be the mobile home's 44-year-old occupant.
LASFM deputies found the fire started in the kitchen area of the home after assessing the situation and collecting witness accounts. Deputies are unable to rule out the victim's frequent practice of heating the residence by operating her electric stove burners and oven as a probable contributing factor to this incident at this time.

The LASFM encourages Louisiana residents to use safe home heating techniques 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/wood-burning stoves
• Do not leave candles/open flames (or space heaters) left unattended

The Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office suggests that if you have a relative, friend, or loved one who uses unsafe heating methods, share this information with them and establish 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.