FERRIDAY — A Ferriday man died overnight Thursday after a house fire caused by an electrical short destroyed his kitchen and damaged parts of his home.

Gus McGee, 508 Hampton Alley, died from smoke inhalation after firefighters pulled him out of the burning house at approximately 12:25 a.m., Ferriday Fire Chief Joe Sontoyo said.

McGee was inside his house when the fire started in the kitchen but was pulled out by firefighters before sustaining any burns.

The fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical short, Sontoyo said.

McGee was the only person inside the house and was pronounced dead by Concordia Parish Coroner Sarah Lee at the scene of the incident.

Sontoyo said there are many steps people can take to prevent fires in their houses, but one in particular is crucial during the winter time.

“It’s important to not put anything flammable next to your heater,” Sontoyo said.