NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 21, 2017

SUBJECT:      Structure Fire at 605 S St. Louis Ave.

• CONTACT:    Keith Stammer, Joplin Fire Department
• The Joplin Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 605 S St. Louis Ave. on Tuesday, 21 March, at 11:26 PM. The first crew arrived at 11:30 PM and found a small house fully involved and free burning.  Fire crews immediately went to a defensive attack to preserve any surrounding structures. The fire was extinguished and crews remained on scene 1:09 AM.
• The house was unoccupied at the time of the fire with no utilities in place.  Neighbors reported it was set for demolition. It is owned by Mr. Dennis Ruark.
• There were no injuries to civilians or firefighting crews.
• The Fire Department responded with 5 apparatus and 13 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.
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For more information, contact the Joplin Fire Department at 623-0403 or 624-0820 ext. 1300.