Angie LA, State Fire Marshal H.”Butch” Browning announced this morning that a tragic fire occurred in Washington Parish that took the life of an 84 year old retired lady. The Pine Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched on April 6, 2010 at 23:12hrs to 28408 Hilltop Church Road in Angie Louisiana to a reported residence on fire.

The fire was discovered by a next door neighbor who witnessed 35% of the home in flames, knowing that there was a probability that the owner was inside, frantic attempts were made to locate her by the neighbors. Upon arrival of the fire department, Firefighters entered the dangerous building in hopes of making a rescue. Despite the heroic efforts the body of Luzina Penton Branch (dob. 7-17-1925) was located in the rear of the home where major destruction occurred from the effects of the fire. She was pronounced dead at the scene by the Washington Parish Corner. The Coroner will be conducting an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s office is conducting an investigation in to the cause of this fire that took the life of this person. At this time there is no evidence that indicates this fire to be suspicious and Investigators are examining the homes electrical system to determine if it could have possibly contributed to this fire. The investigation also revealed that there were no working smoke detectors in this home. Additional Firefighters responded from Varnado and Angie Volunteer Fire Departments. At this time the fire remains under investigation.

Fire Marshal Browning expressed his sorrow to the family for the loss of Mrs. Branch as well as fully committed the office’s resources to discover all the facts of the fire cause and death so that the family will have all their questions and concerns addressed in a professional and respectful manner.

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