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TANGIPAHOA PARISH- State Fire Marshal (SFM) deputies are continuing their investigations into two fires that occurred this week that claimed the lives of a Hammond man and a Kentwood man.

On the evening of Tuesday, March 29, the Hammond Fire Department responded to a report of a house fire located in the 43000 block of Lowes Lane. Firefighters discovered a male victim inside who was transported to a local hospital for his injuries. Unfortunately, the victim, a 65-year-old man, died the next day.

Following an assessment of the scene and collecting witness statements, deputies have determined the fire began in a bedroom. At this time, the cause of the fire remains undetermined as deputies are unable to rule out an electrical malfunction possibly related to older wiring in the home.

On the morning of March 30, the Kentwood Fire Department responded to the 19000 block of Highway 1055 for a report of a mobile home fire. Firefighters unfortunately located the body of the lone 60-year-old, disabled occupant in a hallway near the back door.

Following an assessment of the scene, deputies have determined the fire began in the living room of the home. At this time, the cause of the fire is undetermined with the inability to rule out an unidentified electrical malfunction.

Lastly, neither of these homes had working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms are a proven tool to alert residents to a fire danger in order to escape safely, even in a mobile home. If you need assistance obtaining smoke alarms for your home, Operations Save-A-Life can help. The program partners with local fire departments to install smoke alarms for free. To learn more about Operation Save-A-Life, visit our website at lasfm.org.