For Immediate Release
February 19, 2013
Joplin Fire Department
Structure Fire, 1818 S Sergeant, Joplin, Mo.
The Joplin Fire Department responded to a report of a fire at 1818 S Sergeant. Time of call was 1922 hours Saturday evening, 16 February. Fire crews arrived on the scene at 1926 hours to find heavy smoke and fire coming from the ceiling of the front porch. That fire was extinguished. Crews then moved to second floor bedroom and extinguished a fire there, as well as pulled the ceiling to look for extension Once it was determined that the fire was out, a fan was used to remove the smoke.
4 Joplin Fire units and 18 Joplin Fire personnel responded, along with JPD, METS and the ARC. No one was injured on the scene. Crews remained on scene until 2149 hours. The structure was occupied by Debbie Rice and owned by Jim Ames.
The cause of the fire was determined to be children playing with a lighter.

Keith Stammer
Public Information Officer
Joplin Fire Department