State Fire Marshal deputies have determined a fire in Ponchatoula that claimed the life of a disabled man and injured his wife was caused by a space heater placed too close to combustible objects.
Around 6:15 p.m. on Friday, January 27, the Ponchatoula Fire Department responded to a report of a house fire located in the 18000 block of Esterbrook.
Upon arrival, firefighters learned there had been two occupants in the home at the time of the fire and one was still inside.
Despite firefighters being able to rescue the bedridden, 77 YO male resident, he later died at an area hospital.
During the investigation into what caused the fire, deputies learned the victim and his wife were in a front room watching television when they heard a loud noise from the back of the house. When investigating the sound, the female resident found smoke and flames and then attempted to get her husband into his wheelchair so they could escape. She was injured during her efforts and was unfortunately unable to help her husband get out of the home.
After an assessment of the scene and collecting witness statements, SFM deputies determined the fire began in a back bedroom and was caused by a space heater left running unattended and too close to bedding and clothing.
