UPDATE, November 6, 6:30 pm: Baldwin Fire Chief Rickey Cook told KQKI News that two boys, who were occupants of the home, suffered smoke inhalation and were treated and released. They are currently staying with a member of the community. Their mother remains in the hospital due to suffering burns in the fire. Cook said she made a valiant effort in attempting to save the 83-year-old victim.
Cook added that according to the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, the residence was apparently absent of smoke detectors. On behalf of all the fire chiefs of St. Mary Parish, he stressed the importance of working smoke detectors, which could potentially save your life. He added there are programs that provide smoke detectors which are installed by local fire departments. Please contact your local fire department for more information. Additional home fire safety tips may be found here.
ORIGINAL STORY
Multiple fire departments from throughout St. Mary Parish responded to an early morning major house fire in Baldwin that claimed the life of one victim and left three other occupants injured.
On Monday morning at 3:52 am, the Baldwin Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the 400 block of Rosebud Street in reference to a house fire. Baldwin Fire Chief Rickey Cook told KQKI News on Monday morning that when firefighters arrived, the house was full involved, which was eventually brought under control, but received extensive damage. An additional structure behind the house was also damaged but was brought under control.
A spokeswoman from the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office told KQKI News that the fire claimed the life of an 83-year-old-man. She added that three other occupants were able to escape, but were injured. Cook stated that the three occupants were transported to a Lafayette hospital
Fire departments from both ends of St. Mary Parish including Franklin, Chitimacha, St. Mary Parish District 11 and Centerville responded with fire engines and personnel, while Patterson and Bayou Vista Volunteer Fire Departments provided additional manpower. Mutual aid for additional man power was still being requested by Baldwin Volunteer Fire Department nearly two hours after the initial call.
The Baldwin Police Department, St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office, Acadian Ambulance and St. Mary Parish Coroner’s Office also responded to the scene. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Investigators were still on the scene as of 8:45 am. We will update the story as more information becomes available.