SHREVEPORT, La. – A devastating fire early Sunday morning has claimed the lives of three people and left a fourth critically injured in Shreveport’s Martin Luther King Jr. neighborhood.
At 6:38 AM on April 6, 2025, the Shreveport Fire Department (SFD) responded to a 911 call reporting a house fire in the 2400 block of Kemp Lane. Firefighters from Engine 6 arrived within five minutes to find flames engulfing the front of the one-story home.
A total of 31 firefighters operating 13 units battled the blaze and were able to bring the fire under control.
During a search of the residence, firefighters discovered four victims inside. Immediate life-saving efforts were made on scene before all four were transported to local hospitals.
Tragically, three of the victims were later pronounced deceased. The fourth remains in critical condition.
Investigators believe the fire originated in a front room, but the exact cause is still under investigation by the Shreveport Fire Department and the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office. The names and official causes of death of the victims will be released by the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office.
Fire Chief Clarence Reese expressed deep sorrow in a statement: “Our hearts and our prayers go out to this family and also to this community. Any fire death affects not only one community, but it affects the city of Shreveport.”
Officials also confirmed that no smoke alarms were found in the home — a tragic factor that may have contributed to the high number of casualties. Authorities are urging residents to install and regularly test smoke alarms, which can provide critical early warnings in case of fire.
Free smoke alarms are available through the Shreveport Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau. Residents can request installation by visiting www.shreveportfire.org or calling 318-673-6740.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a solemn reminder of how quickly fire can become deadly — and how vital early warning systems can be in saving lives.
