Two firefighters and a resident were treated for minor injuries following a house fire Jan. 30 on Sixth Street in De Soto, said De Soto Capt. Scott Scharf.
He said a resident called 911 at 9:21 p.m. to report a fire in the basement of the home in the 600 block of North Sixth Street. Firefighters arrived within about four minutes of the call and reported smoke coming from the house.
“The extreme cold and ice made it difficult for the operation, but firefighters were able to extinguish the fire, and the alarm was under control at 10:03 p.m.,” Scharf said. “The resident of the home was treated for smoke inhalation and there was one firefighter transported to be checked after sustaining a head injury during the operation.
“A second firefighter slipped on the ice and was taken for X-rays. Both firefighters were able to return to work later that evening.”
Scharf said the fire appeared to have been electrical in nature. He said there was heavy fire damage in the basement and heavy smoke damage throughout the house.
The De Soto Rural, Hillsboro, Hematite and Jefferson R-7 fire protection districts, Festus Fire Department, Valle Ambulance District and De Soto Police Department assisted with the fire. Big River and St. Clair fire protection districts assisted with other calls. De Soto Public Works responded to salt the area.