Pineville man dies in house fire
Published 1:41 pm Thursday, August 4, 2022
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RAPIDES PARISH (August 4, 2022)- The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFM), in collaboration with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding a house fire in Pineville that claimed the life of a male resident.
Around 6:45 a.m. on Tuesday, August 2, the Alpine Volunteer Fire Department responded to a report of a house fire located at the 1400 block of Barthel Road. Unfortunately, firefighters located the body of a male victim in a bathroom.
Official identification and cause of death are pending with the Rapides Parish Coroner’s Office, however, the victim is believed to be the 71-year-old homeowner.
After an assessment of the scene and collecting witness statements, SFM deputies have determined the fire began in the carport area. While the exact cause is still undetermined, deputies have not been able to rule out the possibility of electrical malfunction relating to improper wiring in and around the home.
When it comes to electrical safety, avoid connecting extension cords and power strips to create power sources where a wall outlet does not exist or between two structures. Also, only use those cords and strips for temporary purposes. And contact a licensed electrician for any electrical concerns in and around your home.
Also, deputies have been unable to confirm the presence of a working smoke alarm. Smoke alarms are proven to give families critical seconds to escape safely from a fire emergency.
If you need assistance obtaining smoke alarms for your home, Operations Save-A-Life can help. The program partners with local fire departments to install smoke alarms for free. To learn more about Operation Save-A-Life, visit our website at lasfm.org.
