Electrical malfunction cause of fire at 1700 block of S. Sergeant

(From the Joplin Fire Department)

At approximately 10:35am Friday, Engine 6B, Ladder 1B, Rescue 1B, Battalion 1B, and Engine 2B were dispatched to the 1700 block of S. Sergeant Ave for a reported house fire. 

First arriving units found a 2 story residential structure with smoke and flames from both floors. Ladder 5B responded on second alarm as crews made an aggressive interior attack on the first and second floors. 

High wind conditions coupled with the type of building construction allowed for rapid fire spread throughout the structure forcing units to evacuate and switch to a defensive attack. 

Engine 4B was then added to the incident for additional personnel. The fire was brought under control in about an hour.

 
All occupants escaped the structure without injury and there were no injuries to firefighters. The Joplin Fire Marshal investigated the cause and origin of the fire and determined this to be an accidental fire as a result of an electrical malfunction.

 
Joplin Fire was assisted by Joplin Police Department and Metro Emergency Transport System on scene. The Redings Mill Fire Protection District provided coverage for the city while crews were fighting the fire.