Franklinton, LA (December 20, 2024) – A tragic house fire in Franklinton claimed the life of a 65-year-old woman on Tuesday afternoon. The incident, which occurred at a residence on the 1500 block of Madison Street, is currently under investigation by local authorities and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The Franklinton Fire Department responded to the call at approximately 2 p.m. Upon arrival, they encountered a 90-year-old man who reported attempting to save his adult daughter from the blaze. Despite his efforts, she did not survive. Firefighters later found the victim in a bedroom, believed to be the point of origin for the fire.
Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office have identified a space heater, plugged into a power strip and placed near flammable objects, as a potential cause of the fire. Although the home was equipped with working smoke alarms, the victim’s mobility challenges may have prevented her from escaping the flames.
The official cause of the fire and the victim’s identification are pending confirmation from the Coroner’s Office.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased individual.
Preventing House Fires
House fires, like the one on Madison Street, are often caused by the improper use of heating devices. Space heaters, though convenient, pose significant risks when placed too close to flammable objects or when used with power strips.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) emphasizes the following safety tips to prevent space heater-related fires:
- Maintain at least three feet of clearance around space heaters.
- Avoid plugging space heaters into power strips or extension cords; plug them directly into wall outlets.
- Turn off heaters when leaving the room or sleeping.
Additionally, having a fire escape plan and ensuring that all occupants can exit safely in an emergency are critical measures to prevent loss of life during house fires.
For more information on fire prevention or to seek support after a fire-related incident, contact Local Accident Reports.