Investigation continues into deadly Portageville fire

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. — Results from an autopsy are pending in connection with a fatal fire.

An autopsy was scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 30, to determine the exact cause of death of Andrew Lane, 54, of Portageville, who lost his life in a residential fire Jan. 28.

According to the Portageville Fire Department, at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 28 they were dispatched to a single-story residential fire in the 1000 block of DeLisle Avenue. Upon arrival of Engine 1 and Tanker 15, heavy smoke was showing at the residence.

Firefighters worked to try to gain entry into the home but were met with extreme conditions at the time which prevented them from entering, according to a news release.

Mutual aid was called in from New Madrid and Hayti as firefighters sought to control the fire to keep it from spreading to nearby homes. Fire personnel were then able to gain access to the home and located Lane’s body.

The Caruthersville Fire Department also provided assistance in battling the blaze.

The Missouri State Fire Marshal’s office was called in to investigate. New Madrid County Sheriff Joey Higgerson reported foul play was not suspected however the autopsy is scheduled to confirm the cause of death.

Fire personnel remained at the scene until 9 p.m. Wednesday.

The Portageville Fire Department expressed its condolences to the family and their thanks to the New Madrid, Hayti and Caruthersville Fire Departments, the Portageville Police Department, the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department and the New Madrid County Ambulance District for their assistance.