A local woman left her home for 30 minutes on Friday, and returned to find it ablaze.
Rocky Mount Fire Protection District firefighters responded to a call about the fire at 163 Hittridge Rd., at 5:35 p.m. on Friday, April 20, 2018.
According to RMFPD Fire Chief Kevin Hurtibise, fire units arrived on scene at 5:42 p.m. to find heavy fire coming from three windows and a door, on the north east end of the structure, with heavy smoke showing from the rest of the structure. “The house was already 50 percent involved in fire when we got there,” Hurtibise said.
The owner of the home stated they had left the home at approximately 5 p.m. and returned at approximately 5:33 p.m. to find smoke coming from the rear of the house. She opened the front door to let the dog out, but there was too much smoke to enter to rescue a cat and a pet Gecko. She then tried another door, but still could not enter due to the immensity of the smoke and fire.
Firefighters made an aggressive offensive attack, with three hand lines and the fire was brought under control at approximately 6:33 p.m.
Fire units then performed salvage and overhaul, and an investigation. The investigation by RMFPD and the Missouri State Fire Marshal determined the home was a total loss, and the cause of the fire was accidental. The cat and gecko could not be found. Fire units cleared the scene at 1:55 a.m. on Saturday, April 21.
According to Chief Hurtibise, there were operating smoke detectors in the home. “I want to remind everyone of the importance of having operational smoke detectors. Smoke and deadly gasses from a fire can become lethal in three minutes or less,” Chief Hurtibise said. “Working smoke detectors are important for you and your family’s safety. Check your smoke detectors once a month, replace the batteries twice a year, and replace all smoke detectors that are over 10 years old. If there is no date on the back of your smoke detector it should be replaced.”
RMFPD responded with seven personnel. They were assisted at the scene by Eldon Fire with four personnel, Lake Ozark Fire Protection District with four personnel, and Miller County Ambulance with two personnel. Moreau Fire Protection District was in route to the scene but were canceled to assist at a simultaneous motor vehicle accident in the RMFPD. RMFPD units also handled a medical call at 5:51 p.m., with one truck and two personnel responding.
