IBERIA PARISH- State Fire Marshal Chief Bryan J. Adams is reminding Louisiana families about the importance of having a home escape plan following a fatal fire in the New Iberia area.
Just before midnight on Friday, December 6, the New Iberia Fire Department responded to a call for a house fire located in the 700 block of Elizabeth Street. When firefighters arrived, they found a male victim near a window. Unfortunately, he did not survive.
While the official identification and cause of death are pending with the Coroner’s Office, the victim is believed to be the 74-year-old homeowner.
State Fire Marshal (SFM) deputies have determined the fire started in the kitchen area. The cause of this fire remains under investigation at this time, however, there is evidence the victim may have attempted to put the fire out before being overcome by smoke.
The SFM wants to remind all Louisianans when faced with a fire emergency to “Get Low and Go.” That effort should include a familiar home escape plan for every member of your family. That home escape plan should involve knowing two ways out of every room in your home as well as having a common meeting place for everyone to report to in order to call for help.
In addition, deputies have been unable to confirm whether this home had working smoke alarms. Chief Adams wants to remind Louisiana residents that smoke alarms have proven to be the difference between life and death in a fire emergency.
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 www.lasfm.org or contact your local fire department to request a free smoke alarm installation.