Tragic Louisiana Fire Claims Life, Investigators Search for Answers

According to the Louisiana Office of the State Fire Marshal, more information is now known about a fatal fire that happened on the morning of Thursday, January 2, claiming a man's life.

The preliminary investigation determined that a man had died inside the home due to smoke inhalation. The smoke inhalation determination was made during the autopsy conducted by the Acadia Parish Coroner's Office. As the investigation continued, State Fire Marshal Chief Bryan Adams said they determined that the house did not have a working smoke alarm.

Adams says Acadia Parish Fire District #7 firefighters responded to the blaze near Mire Highway and Higginbotham Highway in Church Point. After working on identifying the man, they determined him to be Isaiah Harrison from Pennsylvania.

They continue to gather information from the community about the man, the house, and what happened inside the home that caused the blaze. As the investigation has unfolded, they have not ruled out that the fire started due to improper wiring. They believe the house had been wired illegally to utilities so the home could have power.

As the investigation continues, deputies have been working to continually inform Harrison's family in Pennsylvania as developments in the case are made. They are still seeking out anyone who might have any information.

You can also ask your local fire department if you need help installing a smoke alarm. More details about fire safety can be found at lasfm.org.