April 7, 2003

PRESS RELEASE
To: Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Asst. to the Fire Chief
Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2411, page: 675-2137

Evening Fire Injures Infant

A fire that fire investigators say started from a candle, heavily damaged a Cherokee Park home in Shreveport and injured an infant late yesterday evening . . .

Firefighters were called out just before 8:00 p.m. to the 1100 block of Inverness Drive for the report of a residential fire. When crews arrived on-scene, the fire, which started in the living room after the candle ignited a window curtain, had consumed a majority of the home.

The injured child, an 11-month-old was hurt when he came into contact with some debris from the fire as the occupants were exiting the burning home. He was treated by fire department paramedics at the scene for second degree burns to his forehead and face. He was transported to LSUSHSC for further evaluation. No other injuries were reported. Fire officials listed the fire as under control at 8:20 p.m. and placed damage estimated at $40,000. ###