Louisiana
Baton Rouge fire officials urge smoke alarm installation after 10 Louisiana deaths
BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Fire officials are urging residents to install working smoke alarms after 10 people died in Louisiana house fires this January, all in homes without functioning smoke detectors.
Baton Rouge Fire Chief Kimble made an urgent plea to residents during a news conference on Friday.
“As a fire chief, I am begging, I am begging each citizen of this city and this parish, if you do not have a working smoke alarm, call your local fire department,” Kimble said. “For the city of Baton Rouge, you call out, we will come to your house and get one installed as soon as possible.”
The January deaths continue to be a troubling trend. Louisiana recorded 88 fire deaths last year.
“It’s unheard of that we’ve had that many fatalities,” said State Fire Marshal Bryan Adams in a GOHSEP news conference on Thursday.
Fire department responds to surge in requests
The Baton Rouge Fire Department has received numerous calls from residents requesting help with smoke alarm installation or seeking free alarms through the state fire marshal’s program called “Operation Save a Life.”
Fire department spokesman Billy Zachary said crews are working through a backlog of requests.
“Were making a list and going down the list to fulfill those requests. If you put in a request and it’s taking a few days, just bear with us; we will get to you and get you a smoke alarm,” Zachary said.
The fire department plans to clear the backlog within 72 hours.
“Were trying to get as many as we can done before Sunday night,” Zachary said.
Simple installation process
Installing a smoke alarm requires only basic tools and takes minutes to complete. The devices cost about $20 and require two screws for mounting, but screws and batteries usually come with the device.
Zachary emphasized the importance of smoke alarms for home safety.
“Sometimes people think that it couldn’t happen to them, and it kinda is an out-of-mind sort of thing, but it really does add an extra layer of protection; it takes 10 seconds to test the smoke alarm,” he said.
Officials are asking residents to check their smoke alarms and replace batteries as needed. They also encourage people to check on their neighbors’ safety preparations. Be sure to avoid using power strips and extension cords for space heaters, and make sure your heaters and open flames are turned off and put out before you go to sleep.
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Yasin Gungor
19 April 2026•Update: 19 April 2026
At least eight children were killed and two others were wounded in a shooting in the US state of Louisiana, local police said Sunday.
Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Christopher Bordelon said officers responded to the shooting just after 6 am (1100GMT), following a domestic disturbance call.
The age of the deceased ranged from one to 14 years, he said, adding that the incident involved at least 10 individuals across four separate locations.
The suspect attempted to flee by carjacking a vehicle and driving to neighboring Bossier City, where police located and shot him dead.
Bordelon said Shreveport police officers pursued the suspect’s vehicle into Bossier, where three officers discharged their firearms, killing him. He said investigators believe the suspect was the only person who opened fire at the locations.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the attack as “maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” adding: “It’s a terrible morning.”
No immediate information was available about the condition of the injured.
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When it comes to retiring, the best places to do so often are affordable, have a high quality of life and access to quality healthcare.
If you’re looking for a place to retire, Niche has identified the best places for retirees in Louisiana.
In its list, Niche has taken into account factors like weather, crime rates, housing costs and access to amenities.
The 5 best places to retire in Louisiana according to Niche
These are the top five best places to retire in Louisiana, according to Niche.
1. Oak Hills Place
Oak Hills Place is a suburb of Baton Rouge and is the overall best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, has a population of 9,038 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. The area is highly rated for families, diversity, as well as health and fitness. Here, the median home value is $437,900 and the median rent is $1,422, according to Niche.
2. Westminster
Westminster is another suburb of Baton Rouge and is the second-best place to retire in Louisiana. Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, this suburb has a population of 2,559 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. This area is highly rated for nightlife, diversity, families, health and fitness, as well as commute. The median home value here is $266,100 and the median rent is $1,482, says Niche.
3. River Ridge
River Ridge is a suburb of New Orleans, located in Jefferson Parish, and is the third-best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb has a population of 13,312 and offers residents a dense suburban feel. The area is highly rated for public schools, family, nightlife and diversity. The median home value is $357,400 and the median rent is $1,127, according to Niche.
4. Westlake
Westlake is a town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. With a population of 4,743, this town offers residents a rural feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, jobs, cost of living, nightlife and weather. Here, the median home value is $166,100 and the median rent is $1,049, says Niche.
5. Prien
Prien is another town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. This town has a population of 7,119 and offers residents a suburban rural mix feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, nightlife and weather. The median home value here is $278,000 and the median rent is $1,292, according to Niche.
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
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