Kathleen Burnett Obituary, Death – A woman from Singer, Louisiana, tragically lost her life in a camper fire while attempting to stay warm during a winter storm. Authorities have identified the victim as 60-year-old Kathleen Burnett, who lived alone. The incident occurred on Wednesday after a winter storm swept through Southwest Louisiana. Firefighters from the Beauregard Parish Fire District 1 responded to the fire at Burnett’s camper, located on Charlie Davis Road, around noon.
Upon investigating the scene, deputy fire marshals determined that unsafe heating practices, including the use of a wood-burning stove and a chimenea inside the camper, led to the deadly fire. Additionally, they discovered that the camper lacked functional smoke alarms, which could have provided an early warning. Burnett’s death marks the 15th fire-related fatality in Louisiana this year, despite it being only 22 days into 2025. This stands in stark contrast to the same time last year, when only one fire-related death had been reported in the state, according to the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The State Fire Marshal, Bryan Adams, emphasized the importance of safe heating practices in light of this tragedy. He urged residents to follow safety guidelines when using space heaters, especially during cold weather. It’s critical to plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet rather than using extension cords or power strips, as these can pose fire risks. Space heaters should be placed at least 3 to 5 feet away from flammable materials, such as blankets, furniture, or curtains, to prevent fires.
State officials also warned against using ovens or stoves to heat homes, as these appliances are not designed for heating and can lead to dangerous situations. Additionally, any open flames, including those from fireplaces and candles, should never be left unattended. Unsupervised open flames are a significant fire hazard, particularly in confined spaces.
As part of the ongoing effort to prevent fire-related tragedies, the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office is promoting the Operation Save-A-Life program. This initiative offers free smoke alarms to residents who may need them. Louisiana residents who are interested in receiving free smoke alarms can apply by contacting their local fire department or by registering online.
In summary, the tragic death of Kathleen Burnett highlights the dangers of unsafe heating practices during extreme cold weather. Authorities are urging residents to follow proper safety guidelines, such as placing space heaters away from flammable objects and ensuring smoke alarms are in working condition, to reduce the risk of similar tragedies. The free smoke alarm program aims to help prevent future deaths by providing life-saving equipment to those in need.