A deadly house fire over the weekend in Sulphur has claimed the life of a 66-year-old man, leaving a family grieving but surrounded by an outpouring of community support. The victim has been identified by relatives as Billy Joe Smith, who died when a fire destroyed a home Sunday afternoon.
Firefighters were called to the scene just after 1 p.m. Sunday at the intersection of Maplewood Drive and Marilyn Drive. When crews arrived, they found the house fully engulfed in flames. The fire spread rapidly, consuming the structure and leaving little behind except the shell of the home. Emergency responders worked to battle the blaze, but Smith did not survive.
Family members later confirmed Smith’s identity, and news of his death quickly spread through the Southwest Louisiana community. Authorities have not released details on how the fire started or what may have caused it. The investigation into the fire remains ongoing as officials work to determine the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
Despite the devastating loss, Smith’s family says they have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity shown by friends, neighbors, and even strangers. Smith’s son, Steven Smith, described the support as a powerful reminder of the strength of the local community during difficult times.
“If you live in the Southwest Louisiana community, you should be proud,” Steven Smith said. “This community comes together. For the hurricanes, any tragedies you see, the people just circle the wagons here. It’s so amazing.” He added that people immediately stepped in to help his sister, sharing that community members were already buying her clothes and offering assistance from local businesses across Lake Charles, Westlake, and Iowa.
Steven also shared that his father had been living in the home with his daughter after suffering a stroke several years ago. Family members say Smith was a devoted father and grandfather whose loss will be deeply felt. As the investigation continues, the family is leaning on the compassion of the community, finding comfort in the support surrounding them as they mourn the loss of a loved one taken too soon.
