State Fire Marshal Again Urges Smoke Alarms After Fatal Fire in Jonesboro

State Fire Marshal Chief Bryan J. Adams is stressing the life-saving investment of working smoke alarms following a fatal fire in Jonesboro.

Around 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 15, the Jonesboro Fire Department responded to a call for a house fire located in the 500 block of Fourth Street. Unfortunately, firefighters did locate a deceased victim in a bedroom.

Official identification and cause of death are pending with the parish Coroner’s Office, however, the victim is believed to be the 66-year-old female homeowner.

After an initial investigation, deputies determined the fire began in the attic area of the home. At this time, the cause of this fire remains undetermined with the inability to rule out electrical malfunction.

And, unfortunately, deputies were unable to locate working smoke alarms in this home.

“This was a unique tragedy in that the fire is believed to have started above the living area of this home and stayed undetected for quite some time due to its location,” said Chief Adams, “Even then, a smoke alarm inside of the home can alert occupants to a fire emergency anywhere, even outside of the home, because smoke spreads quickly and far.”

“What most people don’t realize is that it’s not the flames they should fear; it’s the smoke. Smoke alarms provide critically fast warnings to escape those deadly clouds of poisonous gases,” he said.

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.