State Fire Marshal Issues A Reminder About Smoke Alarm Program Following St. Amant Fatal Fire

State Fire Marshal Chief Bryan J. Adams is reminding Louisiana families about the agency’s free smoke alarm installation program after a woman dies and two other residents were injured in a weekend fire in St. Amant.

Just after 2 a.m. on Saturday, March 30, the St. Amant Fire Department responded to a call for a mobile home fire located in the 10000 block of Kelli Drive. There were three adults in the home at the time of the fire. One woman was able to escape through a window with minor injuries. She was then able to rescue an 81-year-old man who was found near the back door of the home. Unfortunately, a female victim was unable to be rescued. The man was taken to an area hospital where he remains in critical condition.

While identification and official cause of death are pending with the Coroner’s Office, the victim is believed to be the 72-year-old homeowner who was the wife of the male victim and the sister of the other female occupant.

Following a scene examination and conducting witness statements, State Fire Marshal (SFM) deputies determined the fire began in the home’s living room. At this time, the cause is undetermined with the inability to rule out the possibility of improper smoking practices as a potential contributing factor.

Deputies were able to locate one smoke alarm in this home, however, witness statements indicate it was not operating at the time of the fire.

“Smoke alarms save lives because they can detect a fire emergency within seconds due to the smoke produced long before flames are usually seen or felt,” said Chief Adams, “That’s why it’s not only critical to have them, but to make sure they are working at all times.”

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 our website at lasfm.org or contact your local fire department to request a free smoke alarm installation.