Two fires keep firefighters busy

Big River Fire Protection had their hands full Tuesday night with two unrelated fires. The first fire occurred at 7 p.m. at a residence on Primrose Road. Chief David Pratte said it was a small electrical fire in a light socket.

“The resident reported that a fluorescent twisted bulb flashed,” Pratte said. “He said he then smelled something burning. No damage occurred as a result of the small fire.”

Just after 10 p.m. Big River received a call that a house located at 8166 Horse Coller Road was on fire.

“As soon as we came out of the station we could see heavy black smoke and a big red glow coming from the vicinity of the house,” Pratte said. “We were on the scene within eight minutes and the house was well-involved. It took us approximately 30 minutes to bring the fire under control.”

Pratte said firefighters were able to save most of the structure.

“The fire had gotten a head start on us and it took a lot of water,” Pratte said. “I put a call out for two additional tankers.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the state fire marshal’s office. No injuries were reported.

In addition to Big River, Bonne Terre, Lake Timberline, Goose Creek, De Soto Rural, Desloge, Park Hills, Farmington, Wolf Creek and Leadwood responded to the fire.

Chris Cline is a reporter for the Daily Journal. Contact him at 573-431-2010, ext. 114 or at ccline@dailyjournalonline.com.