By Tiffany Flournoy

SAREPTA, La. — State fire investigators are working to determine the cause of a house fire that claimed the life of a 78-year-old man in Sarepta over the weekend.

Sarepta Fire Chief Jeff Franklin identified the victim as Dale Matthews of Sarepta. Fire crews were dispatched to a residential fire in the 300 block of Denmon Road at approximately 4 p.m. Sunday.

“When we arrived, the structure was fully involved,” Franklin said.

Firefighters entered the home and discovered Matthews’ body in the den area. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office. The residence reportedly did not have a working smoke detector.

Franklin urged residents to ensure their homes are equipped with working smoke detectors. He noted that homeowners can contact their local fire departments for information about obtaining free smoke detectors.