The State Fire Marshal, Chief Bryan Adams, is encouraging residents to conduct fire safety checks at the homes of their elderly and mobility-challenged relatives and neighbors following a fatal fire in Tangipahoa Parish last week.
Around 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, the Husser Fire Department responded to a call for a house fire located in the 50000 block of Turnpike Road near Folsom. Unfortunately, firefighters located the body of a female resident in the home’s living room.
While identification and official cause of death are pending with the Coroner’s Office, the victim is believed to be the 93 YO homeowner.
Following a scene examination and conducting witness statements, State Fire Marshal deputies determined the fire began in the home’s living room where the victim was located. At this time, the cause is undetermined with the inability to rule out some type of electrical malfunction. Through this investigation, deputies learned the home had not had electrical upgrades in more than 40 years. In addition, the victim was known to use a space heater, year-round, in the living room. In addition, deputies confirmed there were no working smoke alarms in the home.
If you have smoke alarms in your home, ensure they are working by confirming effective batteries with a press of the test button today. If you do not have smoke alarms in your home, and you need assistance accessing them, Operation Save-A-Life can help. To learn more about Operation Save-A-Life, or to register for a free smoke alarm installation, visit www.lasfm.org or contact your local fire department to request a free smoke alarm installation.
