State Fire Marshal Chief Bryan J. Adams is urging Louisianans to prioritize safe smoking practices following a fatal fire in Florien.
Around 8 a.m. on Thursday, November 21, the South Sabine Fire Department responded to a call for a mobile home fire located in the 700 block of Quiet Cove Road in Florien. When firefighters arrived, they found a female victim in the living room area of the home. Unfortunately, she did not survive.
While the official identification and cause of death are pending with the Coroner’s Office, the victim is believed to be the 47-year-old homeowner.
State Fire Marshal (SFM) deputies have determined the fire started in the master bedroom. While the exact cause remains under investigation at this time, deputies cannot rule out potentially improperly discarded smoking materials as a possible contributing factor.
It is always recommended to smoke outdoors and to avoid smoking when impaired. All smoking materials, including lighters, should be kept out of the reach of children and fully extinguished in appropriate containers.
In addition, this home did not have working smoke alarms. Chief Adams wants to remind Louisiana residents that smoke alarms have proven to be the difference between life and death in a fire emergency.
If you need assistance obtaining smoke alarms for your home, Operation Save-A-Life can help. To learn more about Operation Save-A-Life, or to register for a free smoke alarm installation, visit our website at lasfm.org or contact your local fire department to request a free smoke alarm installation.