By Paige Nash

An 8-year-old boy has passed away due to a mobile home fire in Sarepta that occurred early Monday morning, January 30.  

The Sarepta Fire District 5 responded to a call at approximately 1:30 a.m. at the 700 block of Church Street. Two adults and three children were sleeping in the home when the two adults were awakened by a strong smell of smoke.  The adults were able to escape from a side door with the two youngest children. The 8-year-old was in his bedroom that was located at the opposite end of the home, where the fire is believed to have started.  

Following a preliminary investigation of the scene and collecting witness statements, the State Fire Marshall deputies determined the fire was started by a space heater that was left running in the room that was possibly too close to the child’s bedding and caught fire.  

The two adults and younger children who were able to escape safely only suffered minor smoke inhalation.  

The child’s mother on Facebook Monday asked for prayers for the family and the two younger siblings of the victim.  

“This is the second space heater-related fire death from the past few days and both losses of life are of vulnerable individuals,” said State Fire Marshal Dan Wallis, “We not only have to educate ourselves about safe home heating practices, but we need to be sure every member of our household knows how to stay warm safely and understands why it’s important to follow safe home heating tips.” 

The second incident took place in Ponchatoula on Friday, January 27. A 77-year-old man who was bedridden passed away in a house fire that was also caused by a space heater being left unattended too close to bedding or clothing.  

The wife was able to get her husband into a wheelchair and out of the house, but he later passed away from his injuries at a nearby hospital.  

A Go Fund Me page has been established to help with funeral expenses.