Lafayette Fire Victim Released From Hospital

The victim in the apartment fire was released from the hospital yesterday. She is recovering well. Investigators confirmed that the fire originated in a small wastebasket in the living room. The fire was caused by improperly discarding a cigarette. The fire was ruled an accident.

Lafayette firefighters responded to 1408 W. Willow Street, Willow Park Apartments, to an apartment fire at 2:03 a.m. this morning. The fire was reported by a neighbor when he noticed smoke coming from the apartment. Firefighters arrived at the complex and conducted an immediate search. The apartment was filled with smoke due to a smoldering fire in the living room. The occupant was found inside unconscious. The tenant was immediately transported to a local hospital by Acadian Ambulance. She remains in critical condition.

Fire investigators determined the fire originated in the living room. Smoking material is suspected as the ignition source of the fire. There were no operating smoke detectors in the apartment. Fire officials continue to investigate the cause of the fire.