The Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal (SFM) is investigating a fatal residential fire that claimed the life of a Lecompte man Sunday evening.

On July 5, 2026, the Lecompte Fire Department requested assistance from the SFM to determine the origin and cause of a structure fire in the 100 block of Laura Lane. Firefighters were dispatched to the home at 8:32 p.m.

The fire resulted in the death of an 85-year-old man. SFM investigators determined the fire originated in the kitchen and that the home did not have a working smoke alarm. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.

“The tragic loss of life in this fire is a heartbreaking reminder of how important working smoke alarms are,” said Department of Public Safety Principal Assistant Chief Bryan J. Adams. “Smoke alarms provide critical early warning that can make the difference between escaping safely and becoming trapped. We encourage every family to test their smoke alarms each month, replace them when they are 10 years old, and make sure everyone in the home knows what to do if a fire occurs.”

Through the SFM’s Operation Save-A-Life program, residents are eligible to receive free smoke alarms along with professional installation to ensure they are working correctly.

For more information about fire safety or to request a free smoke alarm installation, contact your local fire department or visit lasfm.org.