Cause of fire to original Joplin Public Library under investigation

(From the Joplin Fire Department)

At 5:06 AM, today, June 30th, Joplin 911 received reports of a structure fire near 9th and Wall. Joplin Fire units arrived to find heavy fire involvement to the basement of a 3-story vacant structure. 

This 120-year-old structure was the original public library for the city of Joplin. 

Crews attacked the fire in the basement and found that fire had spread vertically in the walls to the 2nd and 3rd floors. The fire was extinguished after approximately 2 hours. 

Crews from Redings Mill Fire Protection District assisted on scene while the Carl Junction Fire Protection District helped cover the city. There were no injuries to firefighters.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Joplin Fire Marshal and the Joplin Police Department. Metro Emergency Transport System provided rehab services throughout the incident.