The Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal is investigating a fatal residential fire that claimed the life of a Coushatta woman over the weekend.

According to officials, the Red River Parish Fire District responded at approximately 9:18 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, to a reported house fire in the 1800 block of Abney Street in Coushatta. A 75-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Her 43-year-old son was treated for smoke inhalation and survived the incident.

Investigators with the State Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the residence did not have a working smoke alarm at the time of the fire. The cause and origin of the blaze remain under active investigation.

In response to the tragedy, the State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding residents across Louisiana of the life-saving importance of working smoke alarms in every home.

“Fire-related deaths are always devastating, and many are preventable,” said Bryan J. Adams, DPS Principal Assistant and Chief. “Working smoke alarms provide families with the critical early warning needed to escape safely. Through our Operation Save-A-Life program, we offer free smoke alarms and installation to help ensure every household has this essential protection.”

The State Fire Marshal’s Office encourages residents to regularly test smoke alarms, replace batteries as needed, and ensure alarms are installed on every level of the home and near sleeping areas.

For more information on fire safety or to request a free smoke alarm and installation, residents can visit lasfm.org or contact their local fire department.

The investigation into the Coushatta fire is ongoing.

Photo credit: Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal