Early morning structure fire claims life of 33-year-old Abbeville man

Just before 2:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 10, the Abbeville Fire Department responded to a report of a residential fire located in the 1800 block of Bud Private Drive.
Firefighters learned there were two occupants in the home at the time of the fire. The female homeowner was able to escape, but a male resident, unfortunately, died in the fire.
While official identification and cause of death are pending with the coroner’s office, the victim is believed to be a 33-year-old friend of the homeowner who frequently stayed at the home.
Deputies learned both residents were asleep in the mobile home when the female occupant woke up to strange sounds and the smell of smoke. She then woke up the male occupant to alert him to the danger before escaping out of a window. However, the man never emerged from the home.
Following an assessment of the scene by the Louisiana Fire Marshal’s Office, deputies have determined the fire began in the living room of the home. At this time, the official cause of this fire remains undetermined.
The SFM wants to remind Louisianans that when you’re faced with a fire emergency, the next step should be to get out and stay out. All families should have a planned and practice home escape route that includes knowing two ways out of every room in your home. That plan should also include a common meeting place outside, a safe distance from the home, where everyone can report to confirm they are safe and to call 911.