Louisiana House Fire Claims Life Of 74-Year-Old Man

Officials with the Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office say a man died after a fire in his home which they believe started in the kitchen. While an official identity for the man is still pending with the coroner's office, officials say they do believe it was the 74-year-old homeowner who died in the blaze.

State Fire Marshal Chief Bryan J. Adams says they found the man near a window in the home in the 700 block of Elizabeth Street in New Iberia. Firefighters found the man, but he did not live. Adams wants to remind residents that having an escape plan from their home in the event of a fire is advisable.

While they do know the fire started in the kitchen, they do not know the exact cause which they are still investigating. In addition, Adams says evidence from the home does indicate that the man might have been working to put the fire out when he was overcome by smoke and flames, or both.

Adams advises everyone to have a plan for leaving your home in the event of a fire. He advises the following:

• If a fire starts in your home make sure everyone understands they need to "Get Low and Go.
• Each member of your family should know what the escape plan is in the event of a fire.
• Each member of your family should understand two ways to be able to get out of every room in your home in the event of a fire.
• Always designate an area that everyone knows about that you should go to in order to call for help once you are out of the situation.

As part of the investigation, State Fire Marshal deputies are still working to determine whether or not the home had any smoke alarms and whether or not, if they had them, they were working.

Adams reminds everyone that working smoke alarms save lives. There is help available through Operation Save-A-Life. If you want to know more about the program and apply for help you can visit the State Fire Marshal's website at lasfm.org. You can also contact your local fire department to make a request for a free smoke alarm installation.