BAYOU BLUE, La. (WGNO) — An early morning fire destroyed a home in Bayou Blue, killing five while one survivor managed to escape on Saturday, July 13.
“A tragic event that affects so many people, not only the family but the community as well,” said Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre.
State Fire Marshal Chief Bryan J Adams announced that the five victims from the fatal fire in the Houma area include three adults, a teenager and a toddler. The surviving victim is a teenager. The Bayou Blue Volunteer Fire Department reported the fire started around 3:45 in the morning at 313 Louise Lane.
“It was a fully involved structure fire. The roof was partially collapsed when we got on the scene. We just did an exterior attack trying to knock the fire down as quick as we can,” said Bayou Blue Volunteer Fire Chief Harvey Parks.
Adams says neighbors recall hearing a loud explosion before seeing flames. Foul play isn’t suspected at this time.
“We have had some neighbors that have said that. We have some camera footage. All of that will be a part of the investigation,” said Adams.
Matthew Liner lives a few houses down and says the family had moved to this street not too long ago. He recalls seeing the family outside just the night before.
“They were popping fireworks by the house. After that time, I went to sleep. I woke up this morning and the house was gone, so I figured it might be from the fireworks, but I wasn’t too sure because that was twelve, eleven last night,” said Liner.
Adams explains it could take several days before a conclusion is made, however, after 43 years on the job, a fire of this magnitude will be difficult for everyone to heal from.
“For a lot of people in this neighborhood, as well as the fire department and everyone that was out here, this is not something we do every day and it’s a very unfortunate situation. It will take a long time for this community to heal from this,” said Adams.
More information will be provided as it can be made available.
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