Lafayette, LA — Authorities continue to investigate the cause of a deadly house fire that claimed the life of Isaiah Harrison, 34, from Pennsylvania, earlier this week. The fire occurred on January 2 at a residence on Mire Highway near Higginbotham Highway.
Preliminary autopsy results, released by the Acadia Parish Coroner’s Office, revealed that Harrison died from smoke inhalation. Fire Marshal deputies are still piecing together the details surrounding the blaze, with early findings suggesting that electrical malfunctions related to unauthorized power access may have played a role. However, the investigation remains ongoing, and deputies have not ruled out other possibilities.
In their release, the State Fire Marshal’s Office noted that evidence of improper wiring was found at the scene, further fueling suspicions about electrical issues. Despite this, investigators continue to gather additional information from the community and maintain communication with Harrison’s family throughout the process.
One of the most concerning aspects of the investigation is the discovery that the home did not have working smoke alarms. Fire officials emphasize the critical importance of smoke alarms, which can serve as life-saving devices by providing early warnings of a fire emergency.
“Smoke alarms can be the difference between life and death,” said a statement from the Fire Marshal’s office. “They provide early warning, which can give people a chance to escape and seek safety.”
As part of an ongoing initiative, the State Fire Marshal’s Office is urging residents to ensure their homes are equipped with functioning smoke alarms. For those in need, the “Operation Save-A-Life” program offers free smoke alarm installations. Local fire departments are available to assist, and residents can register for the service at lasfm.org.
The investigation into the fire continues, and deputies are committed to exploring all avenues to determine its exact cause. Community members are encouraged to come forward with any information that could assist in the inquiry.