A home was heavily damaged on Nov. 1 following a house fire that started with a juvenile and a lighter.

At approximately 5 p.m. on Nov. 1, the Cassville Volunteer Fire Protection District was dispatched to a reported structure fire in the area of West 7th Street and Gravel Street, with initial reports suggesting two people were trapped. one possibly on the roof.

Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke showing from the second floor of a two-story residential house, finding all occupants were out of the structure. Crews quickly initiated an interior attack and brought the fire under control within minutes of arriving, containing most of the fire to one room.

A total of 16 firefighters responded from four departments. Cassville Fire sent five personnel with two engines; Exeter Fire contributed two personnel with one engine; Butterfield Fire delivered six personnel with one engine, one rescue and one tanker; and Purdy Fire added three personnel with two engines.

“We would like to extend our appreciation to our mutual aid partners, Exeter Fire District, Butterfield Fire District and Purdy Fire District, for their assistance, as well as Cassville Police, South Barry County Ambulance District and Barry County E911 personnel who provided scene support and ensured the safety of all involved,” a Cassville Fire District press release said. “Thankfully, no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire has been ruled as accidental, as a juvenile was playing with a lighter.”

The Cassville Volunteer Fire Protection District reminds residents to check smoke detectors regularly and have an escape plan in case of fire.

“Also, please remember to talk with children about not playing with lighters and matches,” the press release said.