One killed, another injured in Houma house fire
A 69-year-old man was killed during a fire Thursday night in Houma, authorities said.
The Houma Fire Department was called about 10:30 p.m. to a blaze that tore through a home in the 300 block of Troy Street. Fire crews were told there were several people trapped inside and found two safely outside, authorities said.
The homeowner was found inside the home and was pulled away from the flames but was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said. The Terrebonne Parish Coroner’s Office did not release the man’s name Friday pending notification of his family.
More: Bayou Cane battles Sunday night camper fire
A bystander was injured, though details on the severity were not available Friday, the Fire Department said.
Crews were able to bring the blaze under control within about 10 minutes.
Though the cause remains under investigation, authorities said the blaze began in the bedroom where the victim was found, the state Fire Marshal’s Office said.
“Investigators are unable to rule out the possibility of unsafe smoking practices involving a medical oxygen tank,” Fire Marshal’s Office spokeswoman Ashley Rodrigue said. “The SFM always recommends smoking outdoors and ensuring all smoking materials are properly extinguished in the appropriate manner. Also, refrain from smoking when tired or under the influence of alcohol or medications that make you drowsy.
"In addition, all spark-producing objects, like lighters, should be kept out of the reach of children. Lastly, people should never smoke, and never allow anyone to smoke, where medical oxygen is used.”
Medical oxygen can cause materials to ignite more easily and make fires burn at a faster rate because oxygen is a fuel to fire, officials said.
This article originally appeared on The Courier: One killed, another injured in Houma house fire
