On Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at 6:24 PM the Joplin Fire responded to a report of a residential structure fire at 301 S. Pearl. Crews arrived on scene to find a two-story residential structure with heavy fire coming from the garage and rear of the home. An interior attack was attempted, but prior to making entry there was an explosion from what is believed to have been an oxygen cylinder in the home. Crews established a defensive perimeter and were able to bring the fire under control in approximately 60 minutes.

There was one civilian injury and one fire fighter injury. One of the occupants Douglas Hull was transported to Freeman West with burns and smoke inhalation and was subsequently transported to a burn center in Springfield, MO. Scott Hubler, a Fire Captain, suffered a minor injury due to the explosion was treated on the scene and able to return to duty.

The fire caused extensive damage and resulted in the displacement of 4 adults and 2 children (ages unavailable).

The Joplin Fire Department responded with 8 units and 18 personnel and was assisted by the Joplin Police Department and METS Ambulance Service.

The fire is still currently under investigation by the Joplin Police Department and Joplin Fire Marshall and is considered to be incendiary in nature.

For more information, contact the Joplin Fire Department at 623-0403 or 624-0820.