FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A man and his daughter were saved by a working smoke alarm July 18 when a fire occurred in their residence near Belview Avenue and Rockhurst Street. The male occupant was awakened by the alarm and saw fire along one wall of his bedroom. He and his daughter were both able to evacuate safely. He was treated for minor smoke inhalation.
Fire companies from nearby Fire Station 3 responded within three minutes and quickly contained the fire to the bedroom and extinguished it. The fire investigation determined the cause of the fire to be misuse of an extension cord.
Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms play a vital role in reducing injuries and deaths from a house fire. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home, in each bedroom and outside each sleeping area.
Only high-quality, listed extension cords should be used in the home. Extension cords should not be covered with household goods that can hold heat and eventually cause combustion.
The Fire Department offers free smoke alarms and batteries to anyone in need. If you have questions or need smoke alarms or batteries, call the Fire Department at 417-874-2300 for assistance or to schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm check or installation.
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For more information, please contact Assistant Chief Kevin Trogdon at 417-874-2320.