SFD respond to house fire in the MLK community, fatalities reported

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – The Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office is releasing the names of three victims who died in a house fire in the MLK neighborhood.

At 6:38 a.m. on Sunday, April 6, 2025, the Shreveport Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a house fire in the 2400 block of Kemp Lane.

Upon arrival, Engine 6 reported flames coming from the front of the one-story residential structure. It took the efforts of 31 firefighters operating 13 units to bring the fire under control.

During the search of the residents, SFD located the bodies of four victims, currently believed to be occupants. After attempting immediate life-saving measures on the scene, SFD transported all four to a local hospital.

56-year-old Eureka Garner was pronounced dead at Ochsner LSU Health hospital. 84-year-old Mildred Carter was pronounced dead at Willis-Knighton Medical Center, and five-year-old Ne-Vaeh Garner was also pronounced dead at Ochsner. The fourth victim is in critical condition.

The fire is believed to have started in the front room of the home. Shreveport Fire Investigators and the Office of Louisiana State Fire Marshal are investigating the official cause.

“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,” shared Fire Chief Clarence Reese.

Another discovery SFD made was that the house had no apparent smoke alarms installed. According to SFD, smoke alarms, when appropriately installed and maintained, provide a critical early notification to help you put your fire escape plan into action.

On average, a person has less than 2 minutes to escape from a burning house—every second matters.

The public is encouraged to test their smoke alarms once a month. If you or someone you know does not have a smoke alarm, the Shreveport Fire Department can install one for free. Visit
the Shreveport Fire Department website or contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 318-673-6740 to sign up.