State Fire Marshal investigators have determined that combustible items placed too close to a wood stove ignited, causing a fire that resulted in the death of a Lake Charles woman and injuries to her daughter and grandson.
Investigators responded to 4583 John Koonce Road in Lake Charles after fire crews were dispatched to a report of a residential structure fire shortly after 1 a.m. Saturday. Upon arrival, firefighters observed the home fully engulfed in flames. After entering the structure, firefighters found the body of 63-year-old Barbara Thomson in a second story bedroom. Thomson was visiting her daughter, Jennifer Melancon, at the time of the fire.
After being examined by investigators, the victim’s body was released to the Calcasieu Parish coroner for autopsy.
Melancon was transported to an area hospital for treatment of moderate-to-severe burns which she suffered while removing her two minor sons, a 6-year-old and a 4-year-old from the burning two-story, wood-framed structure, which was destroyed by the fire. The 6-year-old was treated for minor burns before being released to family members.
Investigators learned that Melancon had filled the stove with wood before retiring for the night at about 11 p.m. Friday. It is believed that extra wood pieces were placed too close to the stove and ignited. The stove was located in a first floor room of the home.
There were no working smoke alarms in the home at the time of the fire.