STATE FIRE MARSHAL INVESTIGATING VERMILION PARISH FATAL FIRE

VERMILION PARISH (February 15, 2026) – The Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal (SFM) is investigating a residential fire that claimed the life of a 62-year-old Vermilion Parish woman.
Vermilion Fire District #13 responded at 3:38 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, to a structure fire in the 21000 block of Pine Island Road in Abbeville. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and officials have not ruled out multiple causes including an electrical event or a space heater as possible ignition sources.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding residents to practice home heating safety;
• If using a space heater, make sure it’s placed 3-5 feet away from objects that can catch fire easily like blankets and furniture.
• Ensure space heaters are plugged directly into a wall outlet as opposed to an extension cord or power strip.
• Space heaters should also always be turned off when you're going to sleep or leaving the room and/or home.
• Do not use ovens or stoves to heat your home.
• Make sure any open flames, like fireplaces and candles, are never left unattended.
• Have a working smoke alarm!
Investigators have determined the home did not have a working smoke alarm. “Smoke alarms provide early warning and save lives,” said DPS Principal Assistant, Chief Bryan J. Adams. “It’s not the flames that kill, it’s the smoke.”
Residents are urged to check their smoke alarms regularly. Those in need of a free smoke alarm and installation can get one through the SFM’s Operation Save-A-Life program. For more information on fire safety or to request a free smoke alarm and installation, visit lasfm.org or contact your local fire department.