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A Heartbreaking Loss for Shreveport Family and Community
In the early hours of Tuesday, January 7, 2025, a devastating fire claimed the life of a beloved mother, daughter, and friend in the 300 block of Norton Street, Shreveport, Louisiana. The victim, later identified as Kandice Hammond, 38, tragically perished from the blaze, which broke out around 3:00 a.m. Firefighters rushed to the scene, working tirelessly to rescue her and prevent further damage to the house, but despite their best efforts, Hammond did not survive.

The tragic incident has left the community in shock, with many still processing the loss of a vibrant individual who was known for her kindness and love for her family. In a heart-wrenching gesture, Hammond’s daughter, Kavin Pitre, shared a poignant message on social media, offering both thanks and grief as she acknowledged the heroic efforts of the Shreveport Fire Department. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by authorities, who are working diligently to uncover the circumstances behind the tragedy.

Section 1: The Fire on Norton Street โ€“ A Race Against Time
At approximately 3:00 a.m. on January 7, the Shreveport Fire Department was dispatched to a home on Norton Street following reports of a house fire. Crews arrived to find the structure fully engulfed in flames, with smoke billowing from the windows and doors. Despite the challenging conditions, firefighters immediately began search-and-rescue operations, prioritizing the safety of any individuals trapped inside.

Within minutes, first responders found Kandice Hammond near the back of the home. She was quickly extricated and rushed to Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, but despite their best efforts to save her, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival. Her passing has left her family, friends, and the entire community in mourning.

Fire Chief Scott Rials expressed deep condolences to the family during a press conference later that day, noting that the fire department’s personnel had performed admirably under extremely dangerous conditions. โ€œOur firefighters do everything they can to save lives, and I want to commend them for their bravery. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, this is a heartbreaking loss.โ€

The fire was intense, and the cause is still under investigation. Shreveport Fire Marshal Renee Simpson stated that investigators are looking at all potential factors, including the possibility of electrical malfunctions or other accidental causes, but it was too early to draw definitive conclusions. โ€œWe are working closely with local authorities to determine what led to this devastating event,โ€ she said.

Section 2: Kandice Hammond โ€“ A Life Cut Short
Kandice Hammondโ€™s untimely death has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who knew her. Described by her loved ones as a compassionate and dedicated mother, Hammond was known for her strong sense of family and devotion to her daughter, Kavin Pitre. The two were inseparable, and Kavinโ€™s love and admiration for her mother were evident in her heartfelt social media tributes.

Born and raised in Shreveport, Hammond had deep roots in the community. She worked as a customer service representative for a local retail chain, where she was admired by colleagues and customers alike for her friendly demeanor and work ethic. Her smile was said to be infectious, and her ability to make those around her feel welcome was a hallmark of her personality.

Hammond was also active in her church and participated in several community outreach programs. Those who knew her described her as a woman with an innate ability to connect with people, always offering a listening ear or helping hand to those in need. She had a particular passion for supporting local youth programs and often volunteered to help with fundraising events for various causes.

โ€œKandice had this incredible warmth about her,โ€ said Tanya Williams, a close friend. โ€œShe could light up a room just by walking in. Her heart was so big, and she loved everyone around her, especially her daughter. Kavin was everything to her.โ€

Her passing has left an emotional impact on those who knew her, and her family has expressed the depth of their grief. Kavin Pitre, her daughter, took to social media to express her sorrow, saying:

โ€œI can’t believe my world has been turned upside down. My mom was my best friend, my rock, my everything. I want to thank the Shreveport Fire Department for everything they did to try and save her. You fought hard, and Iโ€™ll forever be grateful for that. Please, hug your loved ones tighter tonight. You never know what can happen. I love you, Mom, and Iโ€™ll miss you forever.โ€

Section 3: The Firefighters’ Heroic Efforts
The Shreveport Fire Departmentโ€™s response to the fire was swift and determined, with multiple fire trucks and engines dispatched to the scene. Firefighters immediately initiated a search of the building, working under difficult conditions due to the intensity of the blaze and the risk of structural collapse.

Captain Jared Johnson, who was among the first responders, spoke about the challenges the team faced. “The fire was already consuming the back portion of the house by the time we arrived. Our primary goal was to locate anyone who might be inside and get them out as quickly as possible,” he said. “Itโ€™s always a race against time, but in this case, the conditions were especially dangerous due to the intensity of the fire.”

Once Hammond was located, crews worked quickly to extricate her from the home and transport her to the hospital. Unfortunately, despite their valiant efforts, Hammond was pronounced dead shortly after being admitted to Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport.

Fire Chief Rials echoed Captain Johnsonโ€™s sentiments, emphasizing the courage and professionalism displayed by the firefighters. “They put their lives on the line every day to protect our community. Even in the most dangerous circumstances, they perform selflessly. Today, they did everything they could.”

Section 4: Family and Community Reactions
The Hammond family is understandably devastated by the tragic loss. In addition to Kavin, who shared her emotional message online, other family members have spoken about Kandiceโ€™s kindness and generosity. Her cousins, Amber Johnson and DeShawn King, described Kandice as โ€œa natural-born caregiverโ€ who was always there to offer support, no matter the situation.

โ€œWeโ€™ve lost more than just a family member; weโ€™ve lost a piece of our heart,โ€ said Amber Johnson. โ€œKandice was the glue that held us together. She was a beacon of light, and now we have to learn how to navigate this world without her.โ€

The Shreveport community has rallied around the Hammond family, offering condolences and support. Many have taken to social media, sharing stories of their own experiences with Kandice, expressing how her kindness had touched their lives.

Several local organizations, including Shreveport Volunteers for Youth and The Hope Center, have announced plans to host memorial events and fundraisers to help the family with funeral expenses and provide ongoing support. โ€œKandiceโ€™s legacy will live on through the work she did in our community, and we will continue to honor her memory,โ€ said Sarah Williams, a local volunteer coordinator.

In the days following the fire, a GoFundMe page was created to assist the family. It has already raised thousands of dollars, a testament to the deep affection and respect the community has for Kandice and her family.

Section 5: Investigation into the Cause of the Fire
As the community mourns, authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the devastating fire. The Shreveport Fire Department is working alongside the Shreveport Police Department and the Louisiana State Fire Marshalโ€™s Office to determine what led to the tragic incident. At this stage, no foul play is suspected, and officials are looking into a variety of possibilities, including potential electrical issues, faulty wiring, or gas leaks.

Fire Marshal Renee Simpson emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages. “We are gathering all available evidence, and we will thoroughly review everything to determine the cause of this fire. Our goal is to bring clarity to the family and ensure that nothing like this happens again.”

Simpson also urged residents to take extra precautions when it comes to fire safety, including checking smoke detectors, inspecting electrical systems, and practicing fire escape plans. “A fire can happen at any time, and itโ€™s essential to be prepared,” she said.

Conclusion: A Community in Mourning
The loss of Kandice Hammond has shaken Shreveport to its core, as her vibrant personality and deep connections to the community are sorely missed. Her family, particularly her daughter Kavin Pitre, is grappling with the weight of the tragedy, but they are not alone. The entire Shreveport community has united in support, offering condolences, assistance, and a reminder that Kandiceโ€™s legacy will endure through the lives she touched.

As investigations continue, the focus is on honoring Hammondโ€™s memory and supporting her family through this painful time. For those who knew her, the loss is profound, but the love and kindness she shared will never be forgotten.


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