Cause of fire undetermined; began in storage area

By Kyle Troutman [email protected]

A home on Rainbow Drive in Cassville was ruled a total loss following a fire on Oct. 12 that began in a building adjacent to a carport.

According to a report from the Cassville Fire Protection District, the fire was at 109 Rainbow Drive, with the call coming in at 10:25 a.m. for smoke showing from the home. Cassville Fire Chief Derek Acheson was the first to arrive on scene at 10:30 a.m., finding fire present on the south side of the home extending into the attic space.

While none of the home’s occupants were present at the time, Cassville Police Officer Matt Hoover entered the structure from the north side and safely removed two dogs.

Cassville’s Engine 1 arrived on the scene and personnel deployed a 1-3/4 inch handline for fire attack and exposure protection on the south side of the structure. Cassville and Exeter firefighters then entered the north side of the home and initiated interior attack with another 1-3/4 inch line. During operations, a third dog was removed safely and reunited with its owner outside. 

Additional mutual aid units arrived and were assigned to assist with backup operations and fire attack. Mercy EMS also arrived and was assigned to rehab.

The fire was brought under control and personnel conducted salvage and overhaul operations to locate and extinguish any remaining fire and confirm complete extinguishment.

Acheson spoke with the occupants, who stated they had been at work when neighbors notified them the home was on fire. The occupants reported that miscellaneous lawn equipment was stored in the carport storage area on the south side of the structure, stating the area had an electrical outlet but could not confirm whether or not anything was plugged into it.

Due to the circumstances and the extent of the fire, Acheson requested the State Fire Marshal investigator to respond. After suppression and overhaul operations were completed, mutual aid units were released and apparatus were returned to service. Acheson and Engine 1 remained on scene awaiting the Fire Marshal’s arrival.

The investigator arrived and Cassville Fire District personnel assisted the investigation as needed. Once the investigation was complete, all remaining Cassville units and personnel cleared the scene and returned to service.

The Fire Marshal ruled the cause of the fire undetermined, confirming it began in the carport storage area. The home was determined to be a total loss.

Central Crossing Fire Protection District, Exeter Fire Department, Butterfield Fire Department and Purdy Fire District provided mutual aid. Cassville had three apparatus on the scene.