Smoke Alarms Urged After Woman, Teen Die in Simmesport House Fire

State Fire Marshal Chief Bryan J. Adams is urging all Louisiana families to have working smoke alarms in their homes after a woman and teenager lost their lives in a house fire in Simmesport.

Around 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 11, the Simmesport Volunteer Fire Department responded to a call for a house fire located in the 600 block of Railroad Avenue. Unfortunately, the bodies of two victims were found inside; both were located in separate bedrooms.

While official identifications and causes of death are pending with the parish Coroner’s Office, the victims are believed to be the 60-year-old female homeowner and a 16-year-old female resident.

Due to the extent of the damage from this fire, deputies are still working to determine an area of origin and cause.

Deputies were unable to locate working smoke alarms in this home.

“Smoke alarms save lives,” said Chief Adams, “A smoke alarm is a fairly inexpensive item that costs less than a few cups of name-brand coffees. It will watch over your family for ten years and wake you up in the middle of the night to help you and your loved ones survive a fire. So, please, make fire safety a priority in your home today by ensuring you have a working smoke alarm.”

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.