Blaze claims 3 in Chackbay

A Chackbay home fire claimed the lives of a woman, her son and grandson on Friday.

The body of 52-year-old Penny Chiasson was found in the front of the home. Her son Joey Chiasson, 27, and 18-month-old grandson, Brayden Chiasson, were found in the rear bedroom.

Fire officials concluded that the fire was not set intentionally. Investigators said the trailer’s lack of insulation allowed the flames to spread quickly.

They said older model trailers are not equipped with wallboard, which has more fire-resistant surfaces. Newer models are generally built with the material.

“The way some of the older trailers are built, they’re not built to the fire codes in place today,” said Chackbay Volunteer Fire Chief Chris Boudreaux.

Fire officials determined the blaze originated in the front of the home and spread. Investigators said a space heater was found in the living room near an upholstered recliner used by Penny Chiasson.

Authorities said Penny Chiasson was caring for the 18-month-old infant while her son, Jeremy Chiasson, the owner of the home, was working offshore.

Butch Browning, the state’s fire marshal, said the Chackbay and Choctaw volunteer fire departments responded to a fire at 1525 Choctaw Road around 1:51 a.m.

When fire crews arrived, the mobile home was engulfed in flames and smoke. Firefighters battled flames on the exterior before entering the home.

During the investigation, it was discovered that several space heaters were used to warm the home, two rear exit doors were blocked and there were no smoke detectors in the home.

Donald Carter, the state Fire Marshall Office’s Arson Division supervisor, said the tragedy could have been prevented had the home had a smoke detector to alert occupants of a potential fire.

This holiday season, the Fire Marshal’s Office urges homeowners to test their smoke detectors and closely monitor the home’s heating source.

Carter said, “Please, check your smoke detectors today. If you don’t have one, get one. If your battery is dead, replace it. Have an escape route and practice using it. Clear your halls and doorways.”

“No smoke detectors, combustibles close to heaters, blocked exists – these are all components of disaster,” Browning added.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.