State Fire Marshal (SFM) deputies continue investigating the circumstances surrounding a trailer fire in the Hays Creek-Hackley area that claimed the life of a male resident.
Around 2:45 p.m. on February 15, Washington Parish Fire District #3 responded to a call for a trailer fire located in the 29000 block of Roscoe Dillon Road just west of the Hackley Highway and just north of LA 38. A relative who lived nearby discovered the fire when visiting the resident to check on his well-being due to the extremely cold temperatures.
Firefighters later discovered the body of a man in the home’s living room.
While official identification and cause of death are pending an autopsy, the victim is believed to be the 53-year-old homeowner. The name of the victim is being withheld pending final identification.
After an assessment of the scene, deputy fire marshals determined the fire originated in the trailer’s living room which had been converted into the occupant’s bedroom as well. While the exact cause remains undetermined, investigators cannot rule out the possibility of improper wiring or unsafe smoking practices as contributing factors.
Deputy fire marshals located evidence that the power source for the trailer was shared with a second manufactured home and a camper on the property through a spliced wiring system. In addition, the damaged trailer had multiple extension cords connected to one another running throughout the structure.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office would like to remind Louisiana residents when it comes to electrical safety, avoid connecting extension cords and power strips to create power sources where a wall outlet does not exist and don’t overload those cords and strips if using them for temporary purposes. Plug all appliances, including space heaters, directly into wall outlets to prevent overheating of wires. And if your home is experiencing electrical issues, have a licensed electrician evaluate the situation and make any needed repairs.
