An Aug. 30 fire destroyed a house next to the Lost History Museum in Valles Mines, De Soto Rural Fire Chief Tom Fitzgerald said.
He said firefighters were dispatched at 4:06 p.m. Aug. 30 to the 14100 block of Valles Mines School Road. He said the house was heavily engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, and firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading into the museum.
He said there was substantial damage to the house, which he believes was at least 200 years old.
Fitzgerald said three firefighters were treated at the scene by Valle Ambulance District personnel for heat-related illnesses. No other injuries were reported.
He said the cause is unknown as of Tuesday.
De Soto, Festus, Crystal City, Herculaneum, Farmington and Desloge fire departments and Hematite, Jefferson R-7, Hillsboro, Dunklin, Mapaville, Goldman, St. Clair, Big River and Rock Community fire protection districts and Valle Ambulance District helped at the scene. High Ridge, Antonia and Wolf Creek fire protection districts assisted with other calls.