The Lafayette Fire Chief Robert Benoit reported that a house fire Monday night was caused by an attempt to repair a frozen pipe using a heating torch.

Monday evening, around 6:30 p.m., Lafayette firefighters responded to a house fire in the 200 block of Noble Street after receiving a call from a resident who reportedly smelled smoke.

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When they arrived, firefighters encountered flames coming from the house's roof. Emergency personnel quickly entered the attic and interior to extinguish the fire, which was brought under control within 15 minutes.

Despite their swift response, the home sustained moderate fire damage. Fortunately, both occupants safely exited the home without injury.

Fire officials determined the fire started in an exterior wall. The fire propagated to the attic of the dwelling and vented through the roof. The owner experienced a pipe leakage due to the hard freeze. A plumber utilized a heating torch to repair the water pipe. The conducted heat ignited combustible material in the wall.

The homeowner had experienced a pipe burst caused by the recent hard freeze and called a plumber to repair it. Fire officials determined the fire originated in an exterior wall of the home. The blaze spread to the attic and roof after heat from a plumber’s torch ignited combustible materials during the pipe repair.

Tips for Safely Handling Frozen or Burst Pipes:

Do:

  • Use a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels to thaw frozen pipes.
  • Insulate pipes to prevent freezing in the future.
  • Contact a licensed plumber for professional repairs.

Don’t:

  • Use open flames or blowtorches to thaw pipes.
  • Leave pipes unmonitored when attempting to thaw them.
  • Ignore water leaks or signs of pipe damage.

Residents are urged to exercise caution during extreme weather conditions and seek professional assistance for pipe-related issues to prevent similar accidents.

Read More: What to Do if Your Pipes Are Frozen in Louisiana

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