LAFAYETTE, La. (Jan. 16, 2024) – At 11:30 p.m. last night on January 15, 2023, multiple fire trucks from the Lafayette Fire Department responded to a house fire in the 2300 block of East Pinhook Road. Lafayette firefighters received several calls to 911 reporting smoke from the single-family dwelling. The fire spread through the attic and second-floor bedrooms when emergency crews arrived. The strong wind gusts aided in the spread of the fire. Firefighters battled the fire for at least an hour before controlling it. First responders remained on scene for over four hours. The home sustained significant fire damage.
The family of seven was home when an older child began to smell smoke upstairs. He alerted his father. The father and son noticed smoke coming from the fireplace. Flames were observed on the exterior of the fireplace structure. The other occupants were alerted. Everyone exited without injury.
Fire officials determined the fire originated in the fireplace structure. The wood structure of the fireplace ignited. The fire quickly spread to the attic. The owner stated he was burning wood in the fireplace all day to aid in heating the residence. The cause of the fire was ruled an accident.
