ST. MARY PARISH- State Fire Marshal deputies continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding a house fire that claimed the life of a 51-year-old man.

On the afternoon of Thursday, January 17, St. Mary Parish Fire District #11 responded to a house fire in the 100 block of Inez St. in Jeanerette. The body of a man was later found in a bedroom.

After assessing the scene and collecting witness statements, SFM investigators determined the fire originated in the home’s kitchen. While the exact cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time, investigators cannot rule out an electrical malfunction or improper cooking practices as possible contributors to the fire.

While investigators believe the victim is the 51-year-old homeowner, official identification and preliminary cause of death are pending with the St. Mary Parish Coroner’s Office.

“The State Fire Marshal’s Office would like to remind Louisiana residents that it is never safe to leave open flames and/or cooking appliances unattended while in use,” the agency said today. “It’s advised to use a timer to help keep you aware of how long something has been cooking.”

Make sure all combustible materials, including dish towels, oven mitts and food packaging are kept away from the stovetop. Also, make sure your home has working smoke alarms. The SFM’s Operation Save-A-Life partners with local fire departments and districts to provide free smoke alarms to families who are unable to obtain the life-saving devices on their own.

Visit lasfm.org for more information on the program.