Vinnie Thomassie Jr, Albert Jackson Obituary, Death: Coroner IDs two killed in Hollywood Street fire caused by unattended cooking

Vinnie Thomassie Jr, Albert Jackson Obituary, Death– Authorities in East Baton Rouge have identified the two men who died in a devastating house fire that occurred over the weekend on Hollywood Street. The East Baton Rouge Coroner’s Office confirmed that 39-year-old Vinnie Thomassie Jr. and 47-year-old Albert Jackson lost their lives in the tragic incident.

The fatal fire took place on Sunday and was quickly determined by investigators to have been started by unattended cooking. According to officials from the Baton Rouge Fire Department, someone inside the home had left the kitchen unattended while preparing food, leading to the ignition of a fire that rapidly spread throughout the structure.

Firefighters responded to the emergency call and arrived on scene within minutes. Once there, they found the house already engulfed in flames. Despite their swift response, and the fact that they were able to bring the blaze under control within just 24 minutes, efforts to rescue all the occupants were unsuccessful. Three people inside the residence managed to escape on their own before fire crews arrived. Sadly, Thomassie and Jackson remained trapped inside and could not be saved in time.

One of the survivors later recounted to fire officials that he had briefly stepped away from the kitchen while food was cooking. Upon returning, he was confronted with a fire that had already grown out of control, leaving little time to react.

The residence was declared a total loss due to the severity of the damage. Flames destroyed the interior and much of the structure, leaving behind only charred remains. Despite the intensity of the fire, firefighters successfully prevented the blaze from spreading to surrounding buildings, including a nearby church. Their efforts were credited with containing the fire to the single property and ensuring the safety of others in the immediate area.

The loss of Thomassie and Jackson has deeply affected their families and the broader community. While no additional information has been released regarding their relationship to each other or to the residents who escaped, local officials are offering support and expressing condolences to those grieving the loss.

Fire investigators have emphasized that unattended cooking remains one of the most common causes of residential fires. This incident serves as a somber reminder of how quickly such accidents can escalate, with potentially fatal consequences. They are urging residents to remain vigilant while cooking, especially when using stovetops or ovens, and to never leave food unattended.

This fire also highlights the critical importance of working smoke detectors and having a family evacuation plan. It is unclear at this time whether the house had functioning smoke alarms or if the residents had an emergency exit strategy in place.

While the house on Hollywood Street is now reduced to rubble, firefighters’ efforts to contain the fire prevented what could have been a far worse disaster. The adjacent church, which could have been consumed by the flames due to its proximity, was left unharmed, thanks to the fast and effective response by emergency crews.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to compile a complete account of the fire’s timeline and to determine whether any other factors may have contributed to its rapid spread. So far, no foul play is suspected, and the preliminary conclusion remains that unattended cooking was the cause.

In the meantime, neighbors and loved ones have begun mourning the loss of the two men, and some in the community are calling for increased public education about fire safety. Several residents have also voiced their concerns about the dangers of older homes with limited fireproofing or outdated appliances, which may increase the risks of fires in low-income neighborhoods.

Community leaders are encouraging those affected by the tragedy to seek support and have announced plans for a local vigil to honor the memory of Thomassie and Jackson. Additionally, officials have stated they will work with fire prevention agencies to promote safer cooking practices and provide resources to those in need of fire safety equipment.

This tragic event has left a lasting impact on Hollywood Street and serves as a painful lesson about the potentially deadly consequences of a simple oversight. Firefighters, while praised for their bravery and swift action, are also urging everyone to be proactive in preventing similar disasters by practicing safe cooking habits and ensuring their homes are equipped with functional fire alarms and escape routes.

As the investigation continues, the Baton Rouge community comes together in grief, remembrance, and a renewed commitment to safety. The lives lost in this tragedy—Vinnie Thomassie Jr. and Albert Jackson—are being honored as residents reflect on how to prevent future losses and keep their homes and families safe.