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Fatal Morgan City fire on Sixth Street leaves one dead, home a total loss
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MORGAN CITY — A 35-year-old man has died following an early morning house fire Saturday in the 1000 block of Sixth Street in Morgan City.
The Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office and local detectives are investigating the cause of the fatal blaze.
Morgan City Fire Chief Alvin Cockerham said the initial 911 call came in at 3:55 a.m., with fire units arriving on scene within two minutes at 3:57 a.m.
Before emergency crews arrived, a passerby spotted the man at the doorstep of the burning home, dragged him out to the sidewalk, and rendered aid until first responders took over.
"The guy was on the sidewalk at the time. Someone told me that someone passing by had opened the door and dragged him out," Cockerham said.
Acadian Ambulance transported the 35-year-old victim to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Authorities have not yet publicly released his identity.
Firefighters launched an aggressive fire attack while searching the structure amid reports that a woman and a child might still be trapped inside.
"They searched the house twice once they knocked the fire down and couldn't find anyone," Cockerham said. "A few minutes later she showed up at the scene with the baby."
Due to heavy flames, the potential for additional occupants, and the risk to nearby homes, the Berwick Fire Department was called in to provide mutual aid.
The fire left the home a total loss. Much of the structure, porch, and nearby vehicles were heavily charred, and wooden boards and caution tape were later placed around the perimeter.
"Basically, we called in the police department for the detectives and the state fire marshal's because there was a death involved as our protocol," Cockerham said, noting the emotional toll on the department. "It is [saddening]. It's uh, you know. It's the first one we've had in a while."
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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