ASCENSION PARISH (Dec. 6, 2022)- State Fire Marshal (SFM) deputies continue investigating a deadly house fire in Donaldsonville that claimed the life of a male resident.

Just before 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 30, the Donaldsonville Fire Department responded to a report of a house fire located in the 3000 block of Caesar Lane. Upon arrival, firefighters located a badly burned 83-year-old man in the driveway surrounded by neighbors who had helped him escape. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment, but, unfortunately, died days later on Dec. 2.

Official identification is pending with the Ascension Parish Coroner’s Office.

After an assessment of the scene and collecting witness statements, SFM deputies determined the fire started in a room located in the northwest section of the home. At this time, deputies are still working to identify a possible cause of this fire.

Unfortunately, deputies were unable to confirm the presence of working smoke alarms in the home. The SFM stresses 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.

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.