Firefighters battle flames, heat
The Big River Fire Department responded to a one alarm residential fire at 9341 Berry Road in Bonne Terre Sunday afternoon.
According to Big River Fire Chief David Pratte, who was the first at the scene, a detached garage at the home was completely engulfed in flames.
“When I arrived the structure was fully involved,” Pratte said. “There was black heavy smoke and fire coming from the cracks of the metal building. The fire fighters did a wonderful job attacking this fire.”
In addition to the fire, the heat was a factor in fighting the flames. Additional units were called up to assure firefighting personnel would not become overheated while battling the blaze.
“This was a very hot and strenuous fire,” Pratte said. “St. Francois ambulance service set up a mobile rehab center to watch over the guys.”
The state fire marshal’s office is investigating the cause of the fire.
Other departments responding included Bonne Terre, De Soto, Desloge and Leadington.
Some firefighters from Big River Fire Protection District and other local departments extinguish hot spots while others take a moment to recoup and hydrate while fighting a fire on Sunday afternoon.
