Fire near Kaplan claims man’s life

Officials are continuing an investigation into a residential fire near Kaplan that claimed a man’s life.
Doyle Broussard, 61, died as a result of blaze that began shortly before 8 p.m. on Wednesday.
The home is located on Huckleberry Drive, west of the city.
According to Kaplan Fire Chief Jacob Mathiew, the fire originated in the car port. First responders found Broussard in that area.
Family members described Broussard as being disabled. He would use his lawnmower as a means to get to the mailbox. Investigators reportedly discovered his body near the lawnmower.
The fire was contained to the car port. The rest of the home sustained some smoke damage.
The state fire marshal’s office is awaiting the results of an autopsy. The Vermilion Parish Coroner’s Office conducted the autopsy on Thursday.
Mathiew said the incident remains under investigation.