The community of East Baton Rouge is reeling from the tragic deaths of two men in a devastating house fire that occurred on Sunday, January 28, 2025. Among the victims was 39-year-old Vinnie Thomassie Jr., whose life was cut short by the flames that engulfed a home on Hollywood Street. The second victim has yet to be identified, as authorities continue working to notify the next of kin. This horrific incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of everyday household activities and the irreversible consequences of a seemingly small lapse in attention.

The Fire: A Deadly Chain of Events

The fire began shortly before 9:45 p.m. on January 28 when one of the residents of the home was preparing food in the kitchen. The individual left the cooking area for a brief moment, an action that would prove to be fatal. Upon returning, the person discovered that the kitchen—and soon the entire house—was ablaze. Tragically, despite immediate attempts to combat the fire, the blaze spread rapidly, overwhelming the structure and trapping two individuals inside.

The fire department received a call at approximately 9:50 p.m., and fire crews were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon their arrival, they found the house fully engulfed in flames. The home, located in a residential area of East Baton Rouge, was a total loss, but the fire department’s swift and effective response ensured that surrounding buildings, including a nearby church, were spared from the fire’s destruction.

Three people managed to escape the burning building, but two men, including Thomassie, were trapped inside. Despite the best efforts of firefighters to enter the building and search for survivors, both victims were confirmed dead at the scene. Thomassie’s death was a heartbreaking tragedy that reverberated throughout the local community.

Vinnie Thomassie Jr: Remembering the Victim

Vinnie Thomassie Jr., a beloved member of the East Baton Rouge community, was described by those who knew him as a friendly, caring individual who always put others first. Born and raised in East Baton Rouge, Thomassie had deep ties to the local area, where he had earned the respect and admiration of many for his kindness and generosity.

He had been working as a laborer and was known for his strong work ethic and sense of humor. Those who knew him recall his ability to bring laughter and light into any room he entered, and his infectious positivity made him a beloved figure in the community. Thomassie was deeply loved by his family and friends, and his untimely passing has left a void that will be felt for years to come.

Thomassie’s family, devastated by the loss, shared memories of his larger-than-life personality, his commitment to his loved ones, and his love for his community. “He was the type of person who would do anything for you. He had a big heart, and he always made people laugh,” said a close friend of Thomassie’s. “He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”

In the wake of his death, a fundraiser has been established to help his family with funeral costs, and many residents of East Baton Rouge have expressed their support for the Thomassie family during this difficult time.

The Second Victim: A Life Cut Short

While authorities have identified Vinnie Thomassie Jr. as one of the victims, the identity of the second individual who perished in the fire has not yet been publicly released. Law enforcement officials are working diligently to notify the victim’s family before disclosing their name. However, early reports suggest that the second victim was also a resident of the home, and they too tragically lost their life as a result of the blaze.

The loss of two individuals in such a sudden and violent way has left the community in shock. For the families and friends of both victims, the grief is palpable, and the struggle to make sense of the tragedy will take time.

The Cause of the Fire: Unattended Cooking

According to the East Baton Rouge Fire Department, the fire was caused by unattended cooking. The individual preparing the food briefly left the kitchen, and by the time they returned, the kitchen—and ultimately the entire house—was on fire. This incident underscores the dangers associated with leaving cooking unattended, a risk that is present in homes across the country.

Unattended cooking is one of the leading causes of house fires in the United States. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking equipment is involved in nearly half of all home fires. Specifically, cooking fires account for approximately 49% of all residential fires, and unattended cooking is a primary contributor to these incidents. It is a sobering statistic that highlights the risks associated with daily household activities.

In this case, the tragic outcome could have been prevented had the individual stayed in the kitchen while cooking or ensured that the cooking equipment was turned off when not in use. Fire officials and safety advocates emphasize that a few moments of distraction can lead to devastating consequences. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety measures and the need for constant vigilance in the kitchen.

The Response: Firefighters and First Responders

Firefighters from the East Baton Rouge Fire Department responded quickly to the scene, working to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to surrounding properties. The fire was reportedly extinguished within 24 minutes, thanks to the department’s swift action and the coordinated efforts of emergency responders.

Three individuals managed to escape the home before it was engulfed in flames, and while their injuries were not life-threatening, the emotional toll of the incident was significant. One of the survivors, who had been in the kitchen when the fire started, spoke with firefighters and explained what happened. The survivor confirmed that they had left the cooking area for just a brief moment and returned to find the fire already spreading.

While no firefighters were injured, the danger posed by the fire and the risk to those trapped inside made it an especially challenging situation for first responders. The loss of two lives despite the best efforts of the fire department highlights the tragic nature of the incident and underscores the critical role that fire safety measures play in preventing such outcomes.

Fire Safety and Prevention: Lessons Learned

The tragic loss of two lives in East Baton Rouge has prompted renewed conversations about fire safety and the steps individuals can take to prevent cooking-related fires. Fire officials and safety advocates are stressing the importance of never leaving cooking unattended, as well as taking the following precautions:

• Stay in the kitchen: Never leave cooking food unattended. If you must leave the kitchen, turn off the stove or move the pot to a safe area.
• Use a timer: Set a timer as a reminder if you need to leave the kitchen or step away for any reason.
• Install smoke alarms: Ensure that smoke alarms are installed and working properly in the kitchen and throughout the home.
• Keep flammable materials away: Avoid placing towels, paper towels, and other flammable materials near the stove or oven.
• Know how to put out a fire: In the event of a fire, use a fire extinguisher or a pot lid to smother small flames. Never attempt to use water to extinguish grease fires.

Safety campaigns often focus on raising awareness about the dangers of unattended cooking, encouraging households to take proactive measures to reduce the risk of fire. This tragedy highlights how easily a small lapse in attention can lead to devastating consequences, especially in households where cooking is a regular activity.

The Aftermath: Impact on the Community

The loss of Emiliano Salas Gomez and the two victims of this tragic fire has reverberated throughout the East Baton Rouge community. For the Thomassie family and the family of the second victim, the pain of their loss is immeasurable. The shock of the accident and the questions surrounding how it could have been prevented have left many in the community reflecting on the importance of fire safety in everyday life.

As a result, many in the community have called for increased fire safety education and for more prominent campaigns focused on preventing kitchen fires. Local leaders and fire safety advocates have echoed these calls, emphasizing that public awareness and education are key in preventing such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.

The community’s response to the tragedy has also focused on providing support to the families of the victims. Local residents have rallied together to offer assistance, with fundraisers being organized to help cover funeral expenses and provide emotional support during this difficult time. For the Thomassie family, the memory of their loved one and the lessons learned from this devastating fire will continue to inspire efforts to improve fire safety awareness.

Conclusion: A Sobering Reminder

The fatal house fire on Hollywood Street serves as a somber reminder of the dangers that can arise from simple, everyday activities. While the cause of the fire was determined to be unattended cooking, the tragedy highlights the importance of fire safety measures and the need for constant vigilance in the home. As the community mourns the loss of Vinnie Thomassie Jr. and the other victim, it is crucial that fire safety education and awareness remain a priority to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The investigation into the fire continues, and authorities will work to determine if any additional factors contributed to the blaze. For now, the focus remains on supporting the families of the victims and preventing future fire-related incidents through education and awareness.

For the community, this tragic event will forever be a reminder that life is fragile, and safety should never be taken for granted.