A split-level home in the 11000 block of Everglades Road southeast of Hillsboro was severely damaged by fire late Saturday (Nov. 9). The Hillsboro Fire Protection District got a call about the fire around 11:25 p.m., Chief Brian Gaudet said.
“It was a heavy fire on the back side of the house and in the upper floors,” he said. “All the residents did get out safe. There were two adults and a child. We were also able to rescue a dog.”
After firefighters confirmed all residents were out of the house, it took the crew about 20 minutes more to bring the fire under control, Gaudet said.
The dog was found during a secondary search of the house “and appeared unharmed,” he said.
Firefighters remained on the scene until 2:51 a.m., Gaudet said.
He said the residents will need to find other housing.
“It’s going to be very close to a total loss,” Gaudet said.
He said the residents planned to stay with a family member in the short term, and he directed them to the American Red Cross for help finding more long-term housing.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, Gaudet said Tuesday (Nov. 12).
The De Soto Fire Department and the Hematite, Mapaville, De Soto Rural and Goldman fire protection districts, as well as the Valle Ambulance District, helped with the call.