Cassville, Butterfield, Exeter districts control attic blaze in 23 minutes

BY KYLE TROUTMAN ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

The Cassville Volunteer Fire Protection District halted a structure fire on Thursday night, controlling the blaze 23 minutes after the initial alert.

At approximately 9:35 p.m. on Thursday, Barry County E9-1-1 notified Cassville of a commercial structure fire at Rapid Tax, located at 1014 Old Exeter Road in Cassville.

Butterfield Fire and Rescue and the Exeter Fire Protection District were also toned out as part of the automatic mutual aid agreement.

Units were on scene by 9:45 p.m., and quick actions were taken to contain the fire to the room of origin. The fire was logged under control at 9:58 p.m., according to a Cassville Volunteer Fire Protection District release.

Derek Acheson, Cassville fire chief, said the fire was contained to the attic, and investigation after it was extinguished suggested the source appeared to be electrical. The building was unoccupied at the time of the incident.

There were no civilian or firefighter injuries to report. Cassville responded with five apparatus and eight personnel; Butterfield responded with three apparatus and seven personnel; and Exeter responded with one apparatus and two personnel.

Also assisting were Barry County Sheriff’s Office, Mercy EMS and the Cassville Police Department.

“We are thankful for all of our neighboring agencies and their willingness to step up to the plate and do what needs to be done for the greater good, serving the constituents,” the Cassville Fire press release said. “Without everyone’s assistance, the job could not have been accomplished in such a quick, safe fashion.

“As always, if you are interested in volunteering and taking part in some of the many emergencies our volunteers face, please visit www.cassvillefpd. org/volunteer and follow the instructions to email in your application.”