State Fire Marshal deputies continue investigation into RV fire death in Monroe

MONROE, La. (KNOE) - UPDATE: State Fire Marshal deputies are continuing their investigation into a Monroe RV fire that killed one man.

SFM say they located the victim at the front of the RV, appearing as if he had been attempting to escape.

The official cause of death is still under investigation as well as the victim’s identification. SFM deputies say they believe the man to be a 59-year-old employee of the business, from Texas, who was staying in the RV.

Deputies determined the fire began in the slide-out section of the RV.

SMF officials say they have not been able to rule out an electrical malfunction related to an overloaded power strip and improper use of extension cords as a possible cause.

The SFM has investigated four deadly RV fires so far this year, including this one. SFM deputies say the suspected cause for all four cases has been electrical and related to either overloaded power strips, improper use of extension cords, or unsafe wiring.

“When it comes to electrical safety, the SFM recommends avoiding long-term use of extension cords and staying aware of the wattage limitations of those cords and power strips to avoid overloading them which can cause overheating and become a fire hazard,” the State Fire Marshal’s Office said in a press release. “It is also highly advised to consult with licensed electricians when addressing electrical wiring and connection concerns in your home.”

SFM deputies say they also have been unable to confirm that there were working smoke alarms in the RV.

“The SFM wants to stress to all Louisiana residents that smoke alarms have proven to be the difference between life and death in a fire emergency, no matter the type of home,” said the State Fire Marshal’s Office. “If you need assistance obtaining smoke alarms for your home, Operations Save-A-Life can help. To learn more about Operation Save-A-Life, visit our website at lasfm.org.”

This is an update to a previous story. Read the original story below.

A recreational vehicle fire in Monroe took a man’s life in the early morning hours of Thursday, October 27, 2022.

The Monroe Fire Department says they were called to the 2100 block of Louisville Ave. just before 6 a.m. where they found the RV engulfed in flames.

When MFD arrived, one person had already escaped the RV and told the firemen there was another person inside. Once the fire was extinguished, MFD says they found the body of an adult man.

The identities of the victim and the survivor have not been released yet so that family can be notified first.

Investigators are still looking into what caused the fire.

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