Investigation continues into cause of fire at Northpark Apartments

(From the Joplin Fire Department)

At approximately 9:48 PM on Wednesday, April 3rd, the Joplin 911 Center began receiving calls of a reported structure fire at 3516 Newman Rd. 

First arriving fire units found a 3-story 24-unit apartment building with significant fire involvement to the 3rd floor and attic of the structure. 

Evacuation of the 38 residents in the structure began immediately with assistance from JPD and MSSU PD. Fire personnel were able to confine the fire to the south end of the structure with significant damage to six of the apartments. 

The fire was placed under control in about one hour. There were no injuries to occupants and two firefighters were treated on scene for minor injuries. Red Cross was contacted to assist the displaced occupants with temporary housing.

The Joplin Fire Marshal is continuing to investigate the cause and origin of the fire. An electrical malfunction could not be ruled out as a cause of the fire. The Joplin Fire Department was assisted by the Joplin Police Department, MSSU Police Department, Duenweg Fire Department, and METS Ambulance.

All fire units cleared the scene and returned to service at 2:15 AM.