For Immediate Release
April 24, 2014
Joplin Fire Department
Structure Fire, 727 S Harlem, Joplin, MO.
The Joplin Fire Department responded to a reported Garage Fire at 727 S Harlem Ave at 10:52 AM, Thursday, April 24, 2014. Fire crews arrived on the scene at 10:58 AM to find a detached garage/carport with heavy fire showing. Fire fighters extinguished the fire and contained it to the garage/carport.
The fire was declared under control at 11:12 AM and out at 11:24 AM. Crews remained on scene until 12:02 PM.
The home is owned by Wayne Philliber and occupied by Kimberly Swaggert. The owner had finished mowing and parked a lawn mower inside the carport. He began weed eating and looked back to see the carport area burning.
No injuries were reported to either fire personnel or others in the area. 4 Joplin Fire units and 12 Joplin Fire personnel responded, as well as JPD and METS.
The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental and mower related..
Keith Stammer
Public Information Officer
Joplin Fire Department