The City of Natchitoches Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire on April 5 in the 400 block of Gibson Street. Engines 1 and 3, Rescue 1, Truck 1, C2, C3 and C4 were dispatched to the scene. Fire department units arrived on scene and found a 1 story wood frame structure involved with smoke and fire. Fire crews began a search and interior attack on the involved building. One confirmed fire fatality was found. The fire is under investigation at this time.
Smoke alarms save lives. Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. Fire spreads fast—working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.
Statistics
- Roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
- More than one-third (38 percent) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.
- The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.
Safety Tips
- Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement.
- It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms so that when one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
- Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
- A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
- Working smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.
