FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 23, 2020

SUBJECT:      Structure Fire, 1317 S. Illinois

CONTACT:    James Furgerson

On Thursday, July 23, 2020, at 8:11 AM, the Joplin Fire Department responded to a report of smoke coming from the roof of a vacant commercial structure at 1317 S. Illinois. The first crew arrived at 8:18 AM to find light smoke coming from the eaves on the west side of the structure. Crews entered the building and found that there were light smoke conditions but no fire present. Crews exited the structure and began pulling metal from the building on the west side and found fire between the exterior and interior walls. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire which was brought under control at 8:25 AM. Crews remained on scene until 10:05 AM ventilating and overhauling the area.

The Joplin Fire Department responded with 9 units and 21 personnel. The Fire Department was assisted by METS Ambulance Service and the Joplin Police Department. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighting personnel.

The cause of the fire was ruled accidental due to crews burning vegetation around the building and on the parking lot for maintenance.

For more information, contact the Joplin Fire Department at 623-0403 or 624-0820, ext. 1300.