One person and five dogs died in a house fire Thursday afternoon in Phelps County, according to the Doolittle Rural Fire Protection District.
Doolittle Rural and Rolla Rural fire protection districts responded to a report of two structures on fire on a private drive off Sugar Tree Road northwest of Doolittle.
Fire crews saw a large column of smoke while responding and requested mutual aid from Waynesville, St. Robert and Dixon fire departments.
The first crew on scene found six structures and a vehicle burning from a fire driven by the wind, according to Doolittle Rural Fire. Crews saw heavy fire throughout and a brush fire heading toward another large structure. Firefighters requested additional mutual aid from Rolla City and St. James fire departments.
Firefighters found a man in cardiac arrest and began CPR and resuscitation measures while simultaneously attacking the fire, according to Doolittle Rural Fire. The man died from the fire, Doolittle Rural Fire said.
While crews were attempting to resuscitate the man, there were several large explosions, according to Doolittle Rural Fire. Another fire crew from Cuba Fire Protection District was diverted to the scene to assist.
Eight fire department from three different counties were called to assist. The fire burned six structures, with four sustaining major damage, according to Doolittle Rural Fire. Firefighters saved two other nearby structures.
The fire was determined to be accidental, according to Doolittle Rural Fire.
Gusting winds, low humidity and dry conditions Thursday led to a red flag warning in the area, which signals dangerous fire weather conditions.
Doolittle Rural Fire Protection District releases photos from fire response
One person and five dogs died in fire that burned six structures Thursday afternoon in Phelps County. Eight fire department from three different counties were called to assist.
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