House blaze, Arning Industries fires happen hours apart

By Kyle Troutman [email protected]

The Cassville Fire Protection District responded to a pair of structure fires back-to-back on Friday.

According to Assistant Chief Chris Reibert, at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, crews were dispatched to a call indicating a garage was on fire. Upon arrival, they found a two story home and two car garage with heavy fire inside coming out of the open garage doors. 

While en route a second alarm was requested due to the high temperatures outside. Aid was provided from Exeter, Eagle Rock-Golden-Mano and Central Crossing fire districts. South Barry County (Mercy) EMS provided medical standby. 

Reibert said Barry Electric Cooperative discounted power to the garage. Approximately 12,500 gallons of water were used, and no injuries were reported from the homeowners or firefighters on scene. 

The State Fire Marshal was requested to investigate the blaze, which was determined to be accidental. The garage was a total loss, but the two story residence was saved. 

The residence sustained a couple of broken windows due to heat and exterior damage from the fire. Casville crews cleared the scene at 2:34 p.m.

While firefighters were preparing to leave that scene, Reibert said another call came in for a piece of equipment on fire inside Arning Industries. Upon arrival, firefighters found some internal components on fire. 

Those components were removed to the outside and extinguished with approximately 250 gallons of water. There was no damage to the equipment other than the internal components that were pulled out. There was no damage to the building either, and no injuries were reported. 

Exeter and Butterfield fire districts provided aid at Arning, and Mercy EMS again provided medical standby. 

Cassville Police were on scene for any assistance needs, and there were none.