SINGER, LA – In a heartbreaking incident that has shocked the small community of Singer, Louisiana, 60-year-old Kathleen Burnett tragically died in a camper fire while attempting to stay warm during a winter storm. The fatal blaze occurred on Wednesday, January 23, 2025, as cold temperatures and severe weather conditions swept through Southwest Louisiana. Burnett, who was living alone at the time, perished after the fire engulfed her camper located on Charlie Davis Road.

Beauregard Parish Fire District 1 responded to the scene just after noon, where firefighters discovered the intensity of the fire had led to the complete destruction of the camper. Deputy fire marshals, upon investigating the cause of the blaze, determined that unsafe heating practices were to blame, specifically the use of a wood-burning stove and a chimenea inside the confined space of the camper. In addition, the camper did not have working smoke alarms, further contributing to the tragedy. Burnett’s death marks the 15th fire-related fatality in Louisiana in just the first 22 days of 2025, a staggering increase compared to the one fire-related death at the same time in 2024.

The news of Burnett’s death has prompted state officials and fire safety experts to issue urgent reminders about heating homes safely, particularly during extreme cold weather events when the temptation to use unconventional or unsafe methods to stay warm may be stronger. State Fire Marshal Bryan Adams addressed the rising concern, emphasizing the importance of adhering to proper heating protocols to prevent further tragedies.

The Tragic Incident

The fatal fire occurred in the midst of a winter storm that had brought freezing rain, strong winds, and dangerously low temperatures to the region. Many people, particularly in rural areas like Singer, were struggling to stay warm and were relying on various heating methods, some of which can be extremely dangerous if not used correctly. For Kathleen Burnett, the cold temperatures inside her camper may have driven her to turn to alternative heating sources in an attempt to ward off the chill.

Firefighters and investigators from the Beauregard Parish Fire District responded to the scene of the blaze shortly after noon on Wednesday. As they arrived, they were faced with a fully engulfed camper. Crews worked quickly to control the fire, but it was already too late for Burnett.

Deputy Fire Marshals from the State Fire Marshal’s Office were called to the scene to investigate the origin and cause of the fire. After conducting a thorough inspection, they found that unsafe heating practices, including the use of a wood-burning stove and a chimenea (a type of outdoor fireplace), were the primary causes of the blaze. Both of these items were inside the camper, where the confined space and lack of proper ventilation contributed to the fire’s rapid spread.

Tragically, it was also discovered that the camper was not equipped with working smoke alarms, a fundamental safety feature that could have provided an early warning and potentially saved Burnett’s life. Smoke alarms are critical in alerting occupants to a fire, especially in a mobile home or camper, where fires can spread quickly due to limited space and flammable materials.

Burnett’s death has been labeled as the 15th fire-related fatality in Louisiana in 2025, a statistic that has raised alarms about the growing risks associated with home heating during the winter months. As of the same time in 2024, the state had recorded only one fire-related death, highlighting a significant increase in fatalities this year. The fire was a stark reminder of the dangers posed by improper heating methods, especially during severe weather events.

Fire Safety Concerns: The Dangers of Unsafe Heating Practices

The tragedy involving Kathleen Burnett has shone a spotlight on the critical importance of fire safety, particularly when it comes to heating your home during winter. In cold weather, people often rely on portable space heaters, wood stoves, and other non-traditional methods to stay warm. While these devices can be effective when used properly, they can also pose significant fire hazards when misused or placed in unsafe environments.

The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office issued a statement after the incident, urging residents to follow safety protocols when using space heaters, wood-burning stoves, or chimeneas. Deputy Fire Marshal Bryan Adams stressed that many of the fire-related deaths and injuries in the state could have been prevented if basic safety measures had been followed.

Some of the key guidelines recommended by the State Fire Marshal include:

1. Space Heater Safety:
   • When using a space heater, always plug it directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord or power strip, as these can overheat and increase the risk of a fire.
   • Keep the space heater at least 3 to 5 feet away from combustible materials such as furniture, bedding, and curtains.
   • Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you leave a room or go to bed.
2. Wood Stove and Chimenea Safety:
   • Wood stoves and chimeneas should never be used indoors unless they are designed for indoor use and are properly vented. Burning wood in an enclosed space without proper ventilation can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide and increase the risk of fire.
   • Ensure that any wood-burning stove is installed correctly, following manufacturer instructions and local building codes. The stove should be placed on a non-combustible surface and should not be positioned near walls or furniture.
   • Keep flammable materials, including paper, blankets, and clothing, away from the stove or any open flame.
3. Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation:
   • It is critical to have working smoke alarms in every room of your home or camper. Smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and the batteries should be replaced at least once a year.
   • Carbon monoxide detectors are also vital, especially in homes or campers that use wood stoves or other heating methods that may emit carbon monoxide. These detectors should be installed near sleeping areas and tested regularly.
4. Avoid Using Ovens and Stoves to Heat Your Home:
   • While it may seem tempting to use an oven or stovetop to heat a home, this is an extremely dangerous practice. These appliances are not designed to heat living spaces, and using them in this way increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, fire, and injury.
5. Regular Maintenance and Inspection:
   • It is important to have your heating systems, including chimneys and wood stoves, regularly inspected and cleaned to prevent the buildup of flammable debris. This can help reduce the risk of a fire starting due to overheating or malfunction.

By adhering to these basic safety measures, homeowners can significantly reduce their risk of fire and injury during the colder months. The tragic death of Kathleen Burnett underscores the urgent need for fire safety awareness, particularly during winter weather when people are more likely to rely on unconventional heating methods.

The Impact on the Community

Kathleen Burnett’s death has left a deep mark on the community of Singer, Louisiana, where she was known for her independent spirit. Neighbors and friends have expressed their shock and sadness over the loss of a woman who had lived alone in her camper for several years. Many are now reflecting on the importance of fire safety in their own homes and considering the steps they can take to protect themselves and their families from similar tragedies.

Local residents have also been reaching out to offer support to Burnett’s family, who are grappling with the loss of a loved one in such a tragic and preventable manner. In the wake of the fire, many in the community are coming together to raise awareness about the dangers of improper heating and the importance of ensuring that homes and campers are equipped with basic fire safety devices.

Looking Forward: Preventing Future Fires

As Louisiana grapples with a significantly higher number of fire-related fatalities in 2025, officials are urging residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves from the dangers of unsafe heating practices. In particular, they are calling on the public to ensure that their homes are equipped with working smoke alarms, that heating devices are used safely and according to manufacturer instructions, and that proper maintenance is conducted on heating systems.

State Fire Marshal Bryan Adams has also pledged to increase public education efforts throughout the state, including outreach campaigns focused on fire prevention during the winter months. The goal is to reduce the number of fire-related fatalities and injuries in Louisiana, particularly during extreme weather events like the winter storm that led to Burnett’s tragic death.

Authorities are hopeful that by raising awareness and encouraging safe heating practices, they can prevent further losses and ensure that residents of Louisiana are equipped to protect themselves from the dangers of fire.

Conclusion

Kathleen Burnett’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of the critical importance of fire safety, particularly when it comes to heating our homes during the cold winter months. As Louisiana experiences a troubling increase in fire-related fatalities in 2025, it is crucial for all residents to take responsibility for their safety by following basic fire prevention guidelines. The tragic loss of Burnett has sparked a renewed focus on fire safety education, and it is hoped that through increased awareness and diligence, future tragedies can be prevented.

As the community of Singer mourns the loss of Kathleen Burnett, her death serves as a call to action for all Louisianans to take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from the dangers of fire. It is a reminder that fire safety should never be an afterthought, but rather a critical part of every household’s preparations, especially during extreme weather events.