MOREHOUSE PARISH (April 27, 2026) – The Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal (SFM) is investigating a residential fire that claimed the life of a Bastrop woman.
Firefighters with the Bastrop Fire Department responded to a house fire around 3 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026, in the 4300 block of Maplewood Drive. A 58-year-old woman was rescued from the home, but despite life-saving efforts, she died. Two other occupants escaped without injury.
Preliminary findings from SFM investigators indicate the fire originated in a bedroom. The exact cause remains under investigation. Officials confirmed the home was equipped with smoke alarms.
“This is a heartbreaking reminder that even with early warning, fires can become deadly in a matter of minutes,” said DPS Principal Assistant, Chief Bryan J. Adams. “In this case, working smoke alarms likely helped alert the occupants and gave them critical time to escape. We strongly urge every household to install and maintain smoke alarms on every level of the home and inside sleeping areas.”
Officials emphasize that properly installed and maintained smoke alarms significantly increase the chances of surviving a home fire and can mean the difference between life and death.
Through the SFM’s Operation Save-A-Life program, residents can receive free smoke alarms and professional installation to help ensure their devices are properly installed and maintained for maximum protection.
For more information about fire safety or to request a free smoke alarm installation, contact your local fire department or visit lasfm.org.