A 69-year-old Pine Bluff woman died in an early morning house fire Monday that left her husband homeless and the community in shock. Firefighters responded to the blaze at 1307 South Cypress Street just after 3 a.m., but despite their heroic efforts, Sandra Townsend could not be saved.
The Pine Bluff Fire Department received the emergency call at 3:04 a.m. reporting a “house fire with entrapment.” When crews arrived minutes later, flames were already raging through the front of the single-story home. The victim’s husband had managed to escape but told firefighters his wife was still inside.
Firefighters immediately entered the smoke-filled home, battling intense heat and poor visibility to search for Townsend. They found the elderly woman unconscious inside the burning structure and carried her to safety. Emergency medical personnel attempted life-saving measures, but Townsend was pronounced dead at the scene.
Jefferson County Coroner Chad Kelley confirmed Townsend’s identity and said her body had been sent to the state medical examiner for autopsy. The cause of death appears to be smoke inhalation, though official results are pending. Fire investigators remained on scene throughout Monday morning working to determine what sparked the deadly blaze.
Neighbors described waking to the sounds of crackling flames and sirens in the normally quiet neighborhood. “It’s just awful,” said next-door neighbor Martha Wilkins. “Sandra was such a sweet lady who always waved when we passed by.” The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced husband with temporary housing and basic necessities.
This marks Pine Bluff’s first fatal residential fire this year. Fire officials used the tragedy to remind residents to check smoke detectors and practice home escape plans. A memorial fund has been established at a local bank to help the family with funeral expenses as they mourn their unexpected loss.
