The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFM) is investigating two separate deadly residential fires that occurred across the state over a three-hour period, from March 20–21, 2026. Tragically, each fire resulted in a fatality, and at least one of the homes did not have a working smoke alarm.
Incident Summaries:
WASHINGTON PARISH – On Friday, March 20, 2026, around 11 p.m., Washington Parish Fire District 7 responded to a fire in the 62000 block of Easterling Landing Road in Bogalusa. A 56-year-old man lost his life in the blaze. Investigators say the cause of the fire is undetermined. Due to the extent of the damage, it is unknown if the home had a working smoke alarm.
ST. LANDRY PARISH – In the early morning hours of Saturday, March 21, 2026, around 1:30 a.m., the Eunice Fire Department was dispatched to a fire in the 200 block of Mill Street in Eunice. A 55-year-old man died in the incident. There were no smoke alarms in the home. The fire started in the kitchen. The cause remains undetermined. However, SFM investigators have not ruled out unattended cooking or an unidentified electrical event as the cause of the fire.
DPS Principal Assistant, Chief Bryan J Adams emphasized the importance of fire safety and early detection. “These tragedies are stark reminders of how critical it is to have working smoke alarms in your home. A few minutes can make the difference between life and death. If you don’t have smoke alarms, we can help.”
The State Fire Marshal’s Office encourages all Louisiana residents to ensure their homes are protected with smoke alarms. If you do not have one or need help installing one, the Operation Save-A-Life program provides free smoke alarms and installation.
Visit lasfm.org to learn more or contact your local fire department to request a free smoke alarm and installation.