MARINGOUIN — The apartment fire that claimed the lives of a 22-year-old Maringouin woman and her child early Monday morning started in the kitchen area, the Louisiana State Fire Marshals said on Tuesday. 

The Maringouin Fire Department responded to an apartment fire in the 77000 block of Ridgewood Road in Maringouin around 6:30 a.m. on Monday. While investigators have been able to determine the fire originated in the kitchen and located a fire alarm in the unit, officials say that investigators have not been able to confirm whether the device was working. 

The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. The fire claimed the lives of a 22-year-old Lauren Carter and six-year-old Layton Carter, according to the Iberville Parish Sheriff's Office. 

"There is no way to lessen the heartbreak of a mother and child losing their lives in a fire like this, but we can use this tragedy to remind everyone of the importance of having working smoke alarms in their homes," said State Fire Marshal Chief Chad P. Sonnier. "A working smoke alarm provides the early warning families need to recognize a fire and get out quickly. We urge everyone to make sure they have working smoke alarms, test them every month and make sure every member of the household knows two ways out in the event of a fire."

Through the SFM’s Operation Save-A-Life program, residents are eligible to receive free smoke alarms along with professional installation to ensure they are working correctly.

For more information about fire safety or to request a free smoke alarm installation, residents are encouraged to contact their local fire department or visit lasfm.org.