Man Dies in Ville Platte House Fire

Ville Platte, LA – Investigators of the State Fire Marshal’s Office are continuing to examine the facts surrounding the cause of a residential structure fire where a man’s body was recovered.

Just before 1:00 a.m. Sunday, Ville Platte firefighters responded to a report of a fire at 724 Calcasieu Street where, upon their arrival, they found smoke and flames venting from a wood-framed home. While conducting suppression efforts, the lifeless body of James Malveaux, 62, was located within the residence, which was heavily damaged by fire.

State Fire Marshal investigators were then summoned to the scene to assist in determining the cause of this deadly fire.

After a thorough examination by investigators, the victim’s body was released to the Evangeline Parish Coroner for autopsy where an official cause of death will be determined.

After combing through the structure, investigators established that the fire originated within the southwest portion of the home where a number of possible heat sources were located.

The official cause of the fire, however, has not been determined at this time and the investigation continues.

There were no smoke alarms found in the residence.