State Fire Marshal deputies are continuing their investigation into a mobile home fire on March 11 which claimed the life of an 80-year-old Rayville man.
Fire investigators say the home had lots of clutter.
“Clutter is extremely dangerous, especially when it comes to fires,” said State Fire Marshal Chief Bryan J Adams. “Clutter turns a home into a tinderbox, blocks exits and puts responding firefi ghters at greater risk.”
The fire occurred on Saturday, March 8, around 4:30 p.m. The Holly Ridge Fire Department responded to a report of a mobile home fire located in the 400 block of Smalling Road in Rayville. When firefighters arrived, they discovered the body of a man in the mobile home’s hallway.
At this time, deputies have determined the fire began in the center of the mobile home. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
In the event of a fire, every second counts. Cluttered hallways, stairways, and exits can obstruct escape routes, making it diffi cult to evacuate quickly. Regular decluttering ensures that all pathways are clear, allowing for safe and swift evacuation.
In addition, due to the extent of the fire damage, deputies have been unable to determine whether there were working smoke alarms in the home. If you have smoke alarms, ensure they are working. If you need help getting 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, visit our website at lasfm.org or contact your local fire department to request a free smoke alarm installation.
