The State Fire Marshal (SFM) deputies continue to investigate a house fire in Oakdale that claimed the lives of a disabled woman and her friend.
Around 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday, October 24, the Oakdale Fire Department responded to a call for a house fire located in the 200 block of Canal Street. Upon arrival, firefighters spotted a man through a bedroom window and pulled him from the fire. Unfortunately, however, first responders were unable to revive the victim. Firefighters later found a second victim in a bathroom.
The occupants of the house were identified as Rachael Cloud, 35, and Howard Spears, 61. The cause of death is pending with the parish Coroner’s Office. The victim, Cloud, was renting the home, and her male friend was visiting at the time of the fire.
Following an assessment of the scene, deputies determined the fire began in a dining room area. While the investigation into the exact cause of the fire continues, deputies have been unable to rule out the possibility of unsafe smoking practices, unattended candles and/or an electrical malfunction as potential contributing factors.
While many fire hazards can lead to tragedy in our homes, the most common fatal home fire causes can be avoided by ensuring smoking materials are discarded appropriately, never leaving open flames, like candles, unattended, and ensuring appliances are connected to appropriate power sources for the electrical strength of those appliances to avoid overloading and overheating those power sources.
Lastly, deputies were unable to locate working smoke alarms in the home. The SFM wants to stress to all Louisiana residents that smoke alarms have proven to be the difference between life and death in a fire emergency. If you need assistance obtaining smoke alarms for your home, Operation Save-A-Life can help. To learn more about Operation Save-A-Life, or to register for a free smoke alarm, visit our website at lasfm.org or contact your local fire department to request a free smoke alarm installation.
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Think fire safety for your family
Oakdale Fire Chief Eric Maricle is sending a message to residents. They should have working smoke detectors in their home.
“This is an important asset to have in case of fire,” he said. “When smoking, ensure the cigarette is completely out and disposed of properly to prevent a fire starting. Also when cooking, do not leave food unattended.”
Chief Maricle said the department has a few smoke alarms at the station if any citizen of Oakdale needs an alarm. He said they can visit the department Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Be sure to discuss fire safety and review your family’s escape plan with members of your family and local fire authorities.