Lafayette, LA – Firefighters responded to a small fire in a vacant house on Cameron Street Wednesday morning. The blaze, which broke out in the 1100 block around 8:30 a.m., was quickly contained to a single bedroom.
Upon arrival, fire crews noticed light smoke coming from the house. Inside, they discovered a man sleeping on a mattress in the bedroom where the fire had started. The fire, which had burned a small hole in the floor, was confined to the room, and firefighters immediately woke the man, leading him out of the smoke-filled house to safety.
During their investigation, firefighters identified signs that the man had been squatting in the vacant property. Additionally, two other previous fire incidents were uncovered within the home. While the exact cause of the fire remains unclear, authorities suspect that an open flame, likely from a candle, may have been to blame.
The Lafayette Police Department arrived on scene to assist with trespassing issues, and firefighters took precautions by boarding up the house’s door and windows before leaving the area.
No injuries were reported, and the incident remains under investigation.