Family escapes burning home by jumping from balcony in Pierre Part

PIERRE PART, La. (Louisiana First) — A family of four escaped a burning stilted home late Saturday night by jumping from a second-story balcony.

According to fire officials, the fire broke out and quickly engulfed the structure. It was reported around 11:32 p.m. in a remote area known for elevated homes and campers designed to withstand flooding. Pierre Part Fire Chief Don Breaux said the blaze began when the homeowner’s vehicle caught fire and spread rapidly to the elevated home.

“That area is very tough. The camps are extremely close together,” Breaux said.

“When one catches fire, the next one is very hard to stop. Fifteen years ago, we lost one and lost two on both sides of it, we had four fatalities.”

Two adults and two children escaped the flames by leaping from the balcony. The father jumped first, then caught the children as the mother threw them down one by one before jumping herself.

“Fortunately, they were not seriously injured,” Breaux said. “The father did suffer second-degree burns and a laceration to his foot when he jumped.”

Breaux emphasized the importance of fire safety planning, especially in elevated homes where stairs and ladders may not always be accessible during an emergency.

“Fire ladders help, but they’re not always practical, especially for the elderly,” he said. “While a second exit isn’t required by law, it’s something every family should seriously consider. The cost is worth it; no price is worth a life.”

He urged parents to practice fire escape drills with their children, particularly focusing on how to open windows and find alternative ways out if the primary exit is blocked.

“This is the third time we’ve seen this happen in that area,” Breaux said. “You may not think it’s going to happen to you, but it will happen sooner or later.”

The fire was fully involved by the time crews arrived, but all four family members were out safely by the time help arrived. The structure was a total loss.

The cause of the car fire remains under investigation.

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