BY KYLE TROUTMAN ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com
Three families have been displaced due to a fire at an apartment building on Main Street on Dec. 20, 2024.
According to Derek Acheson, Cassville Volunteer Fire Protection District chief, said firefighters were paged at 3:51 p.m. to a structure fire in the apartment building, located across from the Cassville Intermediate School parking lot.
‘While in route, Cassville [police] on scene noted smoke and flame showing from a second story rear apartment, with all occupants out of the structure,’ Acheson said. ‘Upon arrival, Fire units noted fire extending from the second story rear apartment. Fire units made entry to the apartment and extinguished the fire. A search of the structure confirmed all occupants were out.
‘Units remained on scene to overhaul the fire and ensure no hidden fires. The Red Cross was requested for three families who were displaced due to fire and water damage.’
Acheson said the Exeter Fire District and Butterfield Fire were dispatched on the first alarm and provided personnel for water supply, search and extinguishment assistance. Mercy EMS also responded for medical support.
A second alarm was requested and Purdy Fire District responded and assisted with extinguishment and overhaul, Acheson added.
‘Fire damage was contained to the apartment of origin,’ Acheson said. ‘No injuries were reported. The fire is believed to be accidental, and the Missouri Division of Fire Safety is investigating. CFD reminds everyone to have working smoke detectors in their homes and test them once a month.’
According to Acheson’s report, the first apparatus was on scene 8 minutes after the page, and the fire was under control at 4:12 p.m., 13 minutes after the first page. All units cleared the scene at 8:08 p.m.
At the first alarm, Cassville responded with four vehicles and seven personnel, Exeter responded with one vehicle and three personnel, Butterfield responded with two vehicles and five personnel, Mercy EMS responded with one vehicle and two personnel and Cassville Police responded with four vehicles and four personnel.
At the second alarm, Purdy responded with two vehicles and five personnel. The Red Cross later went two vehicles with three personnel, and the Missouri Division of Fire Safety responded with one vehicle and one personnel.
