Name released of Joplin man killed in morning fire

(From the Joplin Fire Department)

The Joplin Fire Department responded at 12:34 AM Thursday, 13 November, to 3305 S Indiana after a report of a grass fire.

 Upon arrival crews found that the skirting of a trailer house was involved and upon investigation found the fire to be in the trailer. There was heavy fire in the living room area, which was quickly extinguished. The fire was declared under control at 12:54 AM.

 After searching the trailer, crews found the body of a deceased adult male on the floor of the living room. Investigators were then called to the scene. Crews remained on scene until 4:24 AM.

The name of the victim is Mr. Michael E. Hemphill. The body has been sent for an autopsy. The cause of death was Smoke Inhalation. 

Six Fire units and 12 Firefighters responded to the scene, as well as JPD and METS. 

The cause of the fire was determined to be improper use of smoking materials