NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 02, 2017

SUBJECT: Structure Fire at 112 S Byers

CONTACT: Keith Stammer, Joplin Fire Department

The Joplin Fire Department responded to a reported smell of smoke at 112 S Byers on Wednesday, 01 March, at 10:23 PM. The first crew arrived at 10:26 PM and did smell smoke but was unable to locate the source. They could hear a smoke detector going off, which led them to a 4-plex apartment. Crews entered an apartment via a rear door which was open. Crews found a small fire visible on the first floor kitchen area. The fire was quickly extinguished and an exhaust fan was used to remove smoke from the apartment. Crews remained on scene 1:20 AM.

The apartment was unoccupied at the time of the fire.

There were no injuries to civilians or firefighting crews.

The fire department responded with 6 apparatus and 18 personnel and was assisted by the Joplin Police Department and METS Ambulance Service.

The fire was found to be incendiary in nature and remains under investigation.